Sam Robson has the steely character necessary to make a success of his first chance in the Test arena according to Middlesex team-mate Dawid Malan.

Robson seems almost certain to make his bow at international level on home territory at Lord’s after being named this morning in the 12-man squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka starting next Thursday.

Malan has not played at that level, but feels opener Robson exhibits the sort of mental resilience displayed by some of his England team-mates of the past like Andrew Strauss, Steven Finn and Eoin Morgan.

And having had the perfect view from the other end during the start a 2014 campaign in which the 24-year-old right-hander has already scored 517 runs at an average of 51.7, Malan is confident his buddy can make a good first impression.

Backing: Dawid Malan in action for Middlesex

He said:  “Robbo is very strong mentally for one thing which is a massive asset. I have not played at Test or international level, but just looking at the guys who have come down from England duty to play for us they seem to be mentally strong and Robbo has definitely got that in his make-up.”

Robson’s Test selection continues something of a meteoric rise for the Aussie-born youngster who turned down advances to play Test cricket for his homeland after qualifying for England last season.

His superb form in 2013 earned him winter tours with first the England performance squad and then the Lions, during which a string of centuries further underlined his case.

With previous tenant in the opener’s spot Michael Carberry becoming one of the scapegoats of England’s Ashes whitewash Robson now has his first chance to prove he made a wise choice.

Out: Robson is likely to replace Michael Carberry in the test side

Particularly strong square of the wicket as you would expect of an Aussie, the man who now considers London his home is developing the ability to also drive strongly off the front foot through the cover and mid-off arc.

Malan feels Robson high left elbow and disciplined technique will serve him well at the highest level of the game.

He added: “Sam has got a simple technique with its scoring areas and because he is so disciplined and so strong mentally in those areas he sticks to them. His technique is such he could potentially stay at Test level for a while. He rocks up every day with the same frame of mind and the same routine. He has everything going for him."

This morning’s announcement did not bring such positive news for two more England hopefuls, Eoin Morgan and Steven Finn.

No return: Steven Finn has been overlooked by England again

The latter as expected is being given more time to rediscover his form at county level following a nightmare Ashes tour – a rehabilitation which has begun positively with 30 wickets at a shade under 24.

Morgan will be more frustrated at missing out. The 27-year-old last played international cricket just over two years ago against Pakistan, but decided to forego his place in the Indian Premier League this year when discussions with the ECB suggested he was back in the running for a spot.

The Dublin-born left-hander scored his first County Championship century since 2009 in Middlesex’s win over Lancashire at Lord’s last month in his bid to strengthen his case, but it seems he remains behind current incumbent Gary Ballance in the selectors’ thoughts for the time being at least.