Ramprakash hits back at Ian Botham

Mark Ramprakash has hit back at criticism of him by former England all-rounder Ian Botham.

Reacting to comments made by Botham that players such as Ramprakash and Hick have received enough opportunities, and applauding the decision of the selectors to look at different players, such as Ward and Sidebottom.

But Ramprakash, who has begun the season at new club Surrey in fine form, feels Botham has singled him out for criticism.

"I've been criticised before so that's nothing new, but certainly Ian Botham does seem to get on my case a little bit. I don't know why that is," Ramprakash told Sportinglife.com.

"It's disappointing. Most players can accept constructive criticism, but when it appears to go beyond that then it's disappointing.

"From my point of view I would say I had 18 months in the side and averaged over 40. Then I was left out and I had a go at opener, which I was asked to do. I did my best but it didn't work out.

"I would hope that if I'm playing well and scoring runs then there's not a line drawn through anybody's name. I'm still working very hard to achieve all I can, and at the present time I'm very happy to be in the frame and be talked about as a possibility."