Brown admits call-up is a surprise

Jason Brown admitted to being "a bit gobsmacked" when David Graveney called to give him the news of his inclusion in the Test squad to Sri Lanka.

"There was a lot of speculation, but I wasn't really thinking about it because I didn't want to be let down. I put it out of my mind, but was waiting for today really, just to see what the outcome was," Brown told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Although at 26 years old Brown isn't particularly young to embark on his first senior tour, his rise in the last few months has been meteoric.

He started the 2000 county season in the Northants second XI, but when former team-mate Michael Davies lost form, Brown took his chance brilliantly. He claimed over 60 first-class wickets at an average of barely 20, outshining off-spinning partner Graeme Swann, himself an international player, in the process.

Brown has declared his intent to continue with the positive style that has worked so well for him to-date, despite the promise of aggressive Sri Lankan batsmen and hot conditions. "I'm an off-spinner that likes to give the ball a big rip. I like to see the ball turn, which is a big aspect of my game," he explained.

Brown also revealed how his family and friends have supported him, and hopes that his wife, Samantha, will be able to join him on tour for part of the time. "I'd like to bring her out for a couple of weeks because it's going to be a long tour, three months," he said. "It would hopefully break the tour up, and it would be nice if I could see a bit of her for a week or two. My mum and dad don't fly so there's not much chance of them coming over. This is a first. I've told everyone, all the family. It's been hectic, the phone's not stopped ringing all day."

Brown's rise is in stark contrast to the fall of Ian Salisbury. Despite some brave performances with the bat in Pakistan, the Surrey man struggled with the ball, and at 30, may find the journey back to the England team very hard indeed.