Middlesex seamer Tom Helm not thinking of England call-up to Ashes tour

Middlesex seamer Tom Helm insists he is not getting hopes up of a call from England this winter despite being told his name is in the running should Joe Root’s side need reinforcements.

Helm was considered as a potential replacement for Middlesex team-mate Steven Finn in England's Ashes squad and more recently was overlooked for Sussex seamer George Garton, who was drafted into the squad as cover for Jake Ball.

The 23-year-old, who is currently in Australia with the England Lions, was adjudged to have been short of full fitness by England coach Trevor Bayliss having recently recovered from a hamstring injury.

When asked why Garton was drafted into the England squad, Bayliss said: "Because he's fit. Wood and Helm were our first two. They are coming out with the Lions but aren't quite up to game speed. They have only been bowling in the nets for a week or two so we were a bit concerned about them in a four-day game."

But despite being mentioned as a potential call-up by England's head coach, Helm is not thinking too far ahead.

"There's a lot of talk but I'm not getting too ahead of myself," Helm told Sky Sports. "There are a lot of guys in the running and I've been told my hat is in the ring, but I'm not holding out a great deal of hope.

"I'll just keep my head down, keep working and see what happens. I'd say it's a confidence booster. It's not a pat on the back as such but it is very flattering to be spoken about with England in mind.

"It gives you a little boost because the guys in the media watch a lot of cricket and see a lot of bowlers, so for them to be talking about you is very nice. It does obviously raise expectation levels as well but again, I just want to keep my head down and keep things as simple as possible when I'm bowling.

"I just want to get through the winter unscathed. There's a lot of cricket coming up and some great opportunities. I want to get into some good habits and hopefully I can take a few wickets along the way and get myself onto the trip to the Caribbean."

This is not Helm's first experience of an Ashes tour, having been out in Australia when England won the Ashes in 2010/11 as part of the Barmy Army.

This time he is looking forward to getting out on the field and testing himself in Australian conditions.

"I did go to Australia with the Barmy army when I was 15 but that wasn't particularly competitive! It was good fun back in the day so I've had a little taste but I can't imagine the next month or so being the same.

"I've had a couple of chats with Steve Finn about it [the conditions in Australia]. Overall, I heard a bit about how the wickets might suit me because my normal length is a little bit shorter.

"Normally my bad balls are a little bit shorter than fuller and I might be able to get away with it a bit more out in Australia."

England Lions face a Queensland XI in Brisbane in a three-day match starting on Monday and Mark Wood is set to return from injury and stake his claim at the Allan Border Oval.

Wood has not featured for England since July and missed out on selection for the Ashes after picking up an ankle injury. However, England's loss was Helm's gain.

"He's brilliant," Helm said. "I was on the pace programme with him two or three years ago so I got to know him a bit back then - he's a beauty. He's obviously got a lot of experience and he's a very down to earth guy, who is always happy to have a chat with you about bowling as long as you don't bore him too much!

"It will also be brilliant to have the chance to speak to the other England bowlers. I'm pretty lucky to have Finny and Toby Roland-Jones at Middlesex to chat to. I'm lucky to have them around pretty much 24/7."