DURHAM’S Phil Mustard is going to the other end of the planet to try to win back his England place.

The wicketkeeper-batsman has not played international cricket since 2008, when he made the last of 12 appearances in New Zealand.

However, he hopes a spell of domestic cricket there can give the Three Lions selectors a nudge.

The 30-year-old said: “I think if I can do well in New Zealand and around the world, England will have to look at me.

“If I want to play for England again, these are the sort of opportunities I have to look at.

“I think if I can perform well at that level, they do notice.”

Mustard will spend his Christmas as overseas pro for the Auckland Aces, where he will be a key part of their side in the 20-over HRV Cup, which they won last year.

He had similar spells in domestic Twenty20 competitions with Zimbabwe’s Mountaineers and Bangladeshi outfit Barisal Burners last winter.

Mustard added: “In the last two years I’ve had a few stints and it’s something I need to do more of if I want to do well. I wish I’d done it a few years ago.

“I don’t think Zimbabwe will be happening this year, but I’m hoping I might be able to go back to Bangladesh.

“That’s a big one because there are real world-class players in that league, including Saeed Ajmal and Chris Gayle.”

Durham benefited last season, with Mustard outstanding in the CB40.

He averaged 47.50 and his three centuries equalled the county record for most in a limited-overs season.

He said: “I think I’m improving year on year.

“Five years ago I didn’t have a one-day hundred to my name, but I got two last year and three this.

“Realistically, cricket is a long game and I’ve learned if one of your top two or three get a good score anywhere in the world you tend to win.”