John Crawley missed Hampshire's opening Norwich Union League win at the Rose Bowl - but will be fit to face Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Crawley was named in the England squad for the first test against Sri Lanka on Saturday morning after chairman of selectors David Graveney left a message on his answer phone.

That was reward for building on his debut 272 at Kent, with further tons against Middlesex in the Benson and Hedges Cup and against Kent again last week.

The 30-year-old's fitness was put into some doubt when he was left out of the Hampshire side for the 46-run run win againstGloucestershire at the Rose Bowl yesterday.

But he is confident that he will play against Sri Lanka at Lord's on Thursday, the side against whom he made his highest Test score of 156.

Crawley, who will join the rest of the England squad at Lord's today, said: "The injury isn't serious at all and I'm confident that I'll be OK within a day or so."

Inclusion in the side on Thursday morning will be Crawley's 30th Test appearance and his first for three years.

He added: "I knew that I was in with a shout but there are a lot of good players around and I knew there was always a possibility they would go with youth.

"I haven't had a call for a couple of years and it feels better this time because I've had a few problems, not just in the past six months but in the past couple of years.

"I haven't even been on the outskirts of the England side, so it's brilliant to be back in the fold.

"David Graveny left me a message and he congratulated me on being named in the squad when I phoned him back.

"It's something I've been working towards since my last Test appearance. I haven't played as well as I can over the last couple of years but I'm rejuvenated this season and am looking to cement a place in the team.

"Coming to Hampshire has been a new challenge because I've had to earn the respect of my new teammates, but it's been nice to make the most of some good wickets, which are normally in favour of the bowlers at this time of year."

Crawley suffered a back strain towards the end of his innings of 50 not out against Kent, but he is on the mend with the help of physio Patrick Farhart.

Farhart said: "John has some restriction, especially in the field, but the injury should settle in the next 24 hours."