Wright eyes Test spot

Sussex all-rounder looking to force his way into England squad

Last updated: 9th May 2008

Luke Wright England Lions v New Zealand May 08

Wright: Test ambitions

The big thing for me this year was to try and score runs and try and prove I can bat in this form of the game as well.

Luke Wright
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Luke Wright is hoping his century for the England Lions will put him in contention for a full Test call-up.

The Sussex all-rounder blasted 120 out of a first-innings total of 280 for the Lions - England's second string - on the first day of their tour match against New Zealand.

Wright, 23, has been a member of England's one-day squad for the last year but is yet to feature at international level in the longer format of the game.

Asked about his ambitions for Test cricket, he said: "It's something I have been trying to work hard on.

"The big thing for me this year was to try and score runs and try and prove I can bat in this form of the game as well.

"So far this season it's been going well but it's up to me to carry on that form and I do have to try and curb my attacking instincts sometimes.

"At times in the past I've tried to do it too soon and not given myself a chance, which I've had to do in one-day games as well.

"It's always nice to score runs and even better when the selectors are here as well."

Wright's aggressive innings, which included a six over midwicket to bring up three figures, prevented New Zealand taking a firmer grip on proceedings.

But having beaten Essex last week and with only a week to go before the opening npower Test at Lord's (May 15-19), the tourists are satisfied with their preparations.

"We've moving in the right direction as a group," said seamer Chris Martin, who finished with 3-58.

"The bowling is going quite nicely and there is plenty of competition for places at the moment and I suppose all we need know is a 400-plus innings from our batsman."