HAMPSHIRE fast bowler is hoping to make his T20 England debut this evening as they face Australia at the Utilita Bowl.

Turner, 23, has been named in England's squad again ahead of the three-match IT20 series against Australia, which will also see them play at Sophia Gardens and Old Trafford..

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Turner was coached at school by former South Africa international Dale Benkenstein before moving to England during the Covid 19 pandemic.

He arrived with the dream of making it as a professional cricketer in his new country. Turner was Hampshire Hawks’ leading wicket-taker in the Vitality Blast, ending the campaign with 15 wickets in ten games.

Turner is excited to be in the England environment and admitted he would not be losing out if he does not make his debut during this series.

Dave VokesJohn Turner (Image: Dave Vokes)
He told the Daily Echo: "I think whenever you're in this environment, it's an exciting chance, whether I get to play or not.

"Obviously you want to play, but just being in an environment is exciting. I've been in the squad in the West Indies. That was a great experience, but it's all still quite new to me.

"My T20 debut was probably a year and a few days ago, so I haven't been in this environment a huge amount.

"You do still pinch yourself and it's still really cool to get those calls and see your name mentioned here and there."

Being in the England squad is a chance for Turner to brush shoulders with some of the country's best cricketers.

It has allowed him to observe how the top players behave and he hopes to apply the things he has learned to his own game for Hampshire - and hopefully England.

John TurnerJohn Turner (Image: Dave Vokes)
"I think it's just seeing how guys go about things and the nuances of the game and being able to pick up those from them," he explained.

"Being able to draw on their experiences in certain situations and then use that in your game at different points.

"It's not necessarily about certain balls or certain skill sets, but it's just the whole experience from guys that have been there and done that.

"It would be great if I made my debut in this series but I've still got quite a few more years left in my career. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, so be it. Hopefully, it will come at some stage."