Toby Roland-Jones has spoken of his joy at being called up to the England Test team for the first time.
The Middlesex paceman received the call last Thursday, which he admitted was unexpected but a nice surprise.
The 28-year-old Ashford born bowler has been in fine form through the season has taken 30 wickets so far at an average of just under 30.
And TRJ was, naturally, delighted to see his form rewarded by a call to replace the injured James Anderson, England's leading wicket taker, in the squad for the first Test against Pakistan.
He said: “It's pretty special. I'm trying to enjoy it all. You only get called up for the first time once. I got the call last Thursday morning from James Whitaker.
“It was unexpected but it was nice to get the pat on the back with it. I let my nearest and dearest know.
“The first person I spoke to was my girlfriend and she was at work. I sent a message and she replied to say she was in bits and shaking with excitement which was nice.
“It took my parents aback a bit. It's always nice to be able to call the parents up that you've had the call I guess. It was nice and put a smile on their faces.”
Roland-Jones, though, is not getting carried away and knows that he has no guarantees of playing and is vying with Jake Ball for the final spot in the XI.
He added: “Without getting carried away, it's a 12-man squad and there's no guarantees of playing. I'm looking forward to getting in and around the squad and soak it in for the first few days.
“I'm not one to look too far ahead. It was a surprise but that's not saying I don't have lofty ambitions. I just try and remain level headed.”
Roland-Jones has been congratulated by his Middlesex team-mates, who have had plenty to celebrate in the last few weeks, and he hailed the togetherness of the squad.
He explained: “We're a close knit unit and enjoy each others' successes. It symbolises where we are as a group.
“It means a lot coming from the guys you respect the most and take the field with day in day out.”
