LAST week Somerset allrounder Kasey Aldridge was named in the England Lions squad to head to India in the New Year.

Aldridge said the call up was a big surprise and he cannot wait to get out there to show what he can do.

"It was a really good feeling to get the call, I didn't expect it at all, it was completely out of the blue," he said.

"Now I am just looking forward to getting out there really."

He said that the call up was an honour and it is a proud moment that provides some recognition for his hard work.

"It is an honour really, like I said I really didn't expect it so to get the call after performing last year it is a massive honour and I cant wait," he added.

Speaking on the experience itself, he is expecting to be a unique challenge taking on the pitches in India.

But Aldridge believes his skills will do him well during the tour.

"I think as an aspiring allrounder I think I can use my attributes well on this tour, I want to get out there and try my best really."

Aldridge will be joined by friend and Somerset teammate James Rew on the tour, and it is a country he has been to and played in before.

"I have been twice before, to Mumbai and Bangalore, so this trip is different again but it will be a great experience out there with Rewy," he added.

In 2023, Aldridge impressed Somerset fans with his improvement in his batting skills and that was what he expected of himself.

Aldridge is truly aspiring to be an allrounder and believes he has the skills required to do so.

"I am aspiring to be a genuine allrounder, I want to get as close to it as possible, I think to get all the way (as an allrounder) you need to be good, strong even, at all three forms of the game.

"To try and keep that up is a massive goal of mine."

And speaking on 2024 with Somerset, Aldridge said: "I am not going to put too much pressure on myself, I think I will take it all as it comes.

"I will get out there and hopefully if I play I will do as well as I can, and then look forward to the Summer coming back (in Somerset). I am looking forward to it."