JON LEWIS is a name being circulated in England cricket circles. The 29-year-old former Swindon fast bowler and Gloucestershire stalwart came close to making his international debut during the winter.

He was flown out to South Africa as cover for the injured Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison for the final Test match and named in the squad of 12, but ended up as 12th man.

"It all happened so quickly, getting the call and being flown out to South Africa,'' admitted Lewis, affectionately known as 'Rocky'.

"Obviously I was disappointed not to play for England, but just to be a member of the squad was great. It was unbelievable.

"This has made me even more determined. I came close to playing in the winter and just hope now I get a chance."

Lewis has been one of the most consistent wicket-takers in county cricket over the past few years and many pundits feel he is unlucky not to have already made the England team.

This summer, England face Australia in the Ashes and Lewis would love to be part of the series. However, he has got his feet firmly on the ground at present.

"The season starts today and I must do my stuff for Gloucestershire straight away,'' he admitted.

"I need to take wickets and make some runs to be knocking on the selectors' door and press my claims for a place.

"Most players' ambitions are to play against Australia, but in my case it is one step at a time.

"My first aim is to make the England side to face Bangladesh in the two Test matches at the end of next month and beginning of June.

"That would be a fantastic start."

The county championship opens today with Hampshire facing Gloucestershire at the Rose Bowl, Southampton.

Lewis is fit and raring to go and hoping to further his ambitions.

He spent a large part of the winter with the England Academy and in the Middle East with England A, apart from the brief spell in South Africa.

"t was really hot and very humid in Sri Lanka," he recalled. "But I was very happy with the way I performed.

"The side may not have done too well in the round-robin series against Pakistan A and Sri Lanka A, but I can't complain about my displays they were two good sides.

"It was a good experience and I learnt plenty out there. I am still obviously learning and want to take my game forward.

"The wickets were not as bad out there as I expected and you were able to get swing. In fact, they were much better than the pitch I have just played on at Lord's (the curtain-raising game between MCC and Warwickshire), which was very slow.

"I didn't take wickets but I'm still happy with the way I bowled."