Ramprakash says "no" to England
Mark Ramprakash says he still has ambition to play for England
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Saturday, 10, Nov 2007 08:46
Surrey batsman Mark Ramprakash has revealed that he has declined to be on stand-by for England's tour to Sri Lanka this month.
The 38-year-old was told by the England selectors that he would go to Sri Lanka only if one of the senior batsmen got injured. But Ramprakash was less than happy with the offer that was made to him.
"I don't understand the logic of saying I'd go if a senior batsman was injured. What constitutes a senior batsman?" said Ramprakash.
"I said 'no' given the wording because there's so much ambiguity. It's not as if England have an ageing side. I felt it was an unfair offer."
However, Ramprakash said he was still hungry to play for England and would go on the tour to New Zealand in the New Year if he was selected.
"I hope my opinion is understood, reported back to whoever needs to hear it and is treated fairly," he said.
"If England want to pick me for the New Zealand tour in the New Year or next summer I am available, motivated, committed and ready, but it would not be the be-all and end-all to me."
Ramprakash has been in unbelievable form over the last two county seasons. He has scored over 2,000 runs in both seasons and averaged over a hundred.