Dimi Mascarenhas insisted he never gave up hope of receiving an England call-up after thanking Shane Warne for finally making it happen.
Warne has long been a fan of Mascarenhas but the Hampshire all-rounder grew to accept he would never feature for England under Duncan Fletcher.
The nearest Mascarenhas came to international recognition was selection for England's Hong Kong Sixes team.
But Mascarenhas, speaking at his first England media session yesterday, believes Warne's influence at Hampshire has made him a better player.
And the reward finally came last Friday when he was included in England's 14-man one-day squad.
Mascarenhas is now hoping to make his debut in tomorrow's Twenty20 clash with the West Indies at The Oval.
"Shane is a good mate of mine and it is nice to have someone of that calibre think you are pretty good," said Mascarenhas.
Full story: See today's Daily Echo.
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