Andrew Strauss challenges ODI hopefuls to impress England selectors

Andrew Strauss says the upcoming Royal London One-Day Cup is a chance for players to impress the England selectors.

The 50-over tournament was inaugurated last year to align English cricket's domestic one-day competition with the international format, and the County Championship will take a back seat this weekend as the group stage gets under way.

Strauss believes the 50-over game is enjoying a resurgence in the wake of this year's World Cup and the recent thrilling home series with New Zealand, during which England blooded several new players.

And the England and Wales Cricket Board's director of cricket has challenged the county circuit's international hopefuls to stake a claim for international calls.

Live Royal London One-Day Cup Cricket

He said: "This year’s World Cup has been a turning point in the one-day game and the recent New Zealand series has shown the one-day game can offer plenty of excitement.

"We know it is something we can be better at and this competition is a great opportunity for players to impress in the run up to two major competitions in front of home crowds.

"As a player it’s a dream to play at Lord’s and everyone will have their eye on lifting that trophy in September."

Durham won the trophy last year, and their captain Mark Stoneman said: “The 50-over competition is a great opportunity for players to kick on and make a claim for international honours.

"As a cricketer playing for your country is what you want to do first, then playing a Lord’s final comes second, so the chance to not only lead your team out, but to win a trophy is a fantastic experience.

“Lord’s is the greatest place on earth to play cricket and this competition really is the showpiece of the summer. We have a pretty good squad at Durham this year so are hoping we can do it again.”

Watch the Royal London One-Day Cup live on Sky Sports, starting with Northamptonshire v Durham on Sky Sports Ashes from 10.25 on Saturday July 25.