Croft: 'I never gave up hope'

As Robert Croft prepares to play as one of three spinners in tomorrow's match against the Board President's XI, he insisted that he never gave up hope of playing for England again, despite two years out in the cold.

Croft last played a Test for England against Australia in 2001, and after he opted not to tour India the following winter due to safety reasons, he has since been ignored.

However, with Ashley Giles struggling for rhythm and confidence, and with Gareth Batty still feeling his way in international cricket, England felt they needed extra cover in the spinning department, and Croft was the natural choice. Especially as he played a key role in England's 2-1 win in Sri Lanka in 2000-01, and has regularly been taking wickets in the County Championship for Glamorgan.

"I was not sure if I would ever get back, but I never stopped hoping," he said. "I went back to Glamorgan and had a couple of good seasons and got back in. Here I am and everything from here on is a bonus. I've been out of the team for two years. It's been great to come back and hopefully play a part if I'm selected on the field."

Croft took nine wickets in the last series in Sri Lanka, and added "those memories and those experiences will be able to be called upon at relevant times."

But Croft knows he will have to impress in the warm-up match if he wants to make the side for the first Test at Galle on December 2. "Gareth Batty and Ashley Giles are in position, so I'm going to give it my best shot and try to give the selectors a few thoughts in their minds," he said. "In these conditions we know there will be two spinners playing in the Test matches and it's important they don't turn up undercooked."