Phil’s as keen as Mustard for call-up

Nov 6 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

DURHAM wicketkeeper Phil Mustard still believes he can force his way back into the England squad after agreeing a one-year contract extension with Durham which will keep him at the Riverside until 2012.

Mustard has matured rapidly over the last couple of years and has been given the responsibility of opening the batting in limited over cricket, but he still feels there is room for improvement.

He said: "I’m 27 now, I’m not one of the young pups. I’m one of the senior players and I am taking things a lot more seriously. This contract extension was a fabulous opportunity for me to secure my future and I’ve never really wanted to play anywhere else.

"This is going to be a fabulous place to play cricket over the next few years with the changes that are happening to the ground and the team we have here. I’m delighted the club have given me the opportunity to be a part of that and I believe we are going to get even stronger next year.

"The most important thing is Durham, but I’ve definitely not given up on England. I’ve played 10 one day internationals but I want to play plenty more. Hopefully, if I keep maturing with the bat and improving behind the stumps, I’ll get a chance again."

Meanwhile, Durham’s Paul Collingwood insists playing one of the top-ranked sides in world cricket is motivation enough for England ahead of the opening match of their tour of South Africa against the Diamond Eagles tomorrow.