CRICKET WORLD

Craig Kieswetter has admitted he was surprised to be the only wicketkeeper in England's World Twenty20 squad.

The 22-year-old was given the nod ahead of Ashes-winning gloveman Matt Prior, who did not make it into the final cut of 15 players to go to the Caribbean.

Kieswetter is yet to represent England in a Twenty20 international, but forced his way into the reckoning after some blazing displays at the top of the order for the England Lions during their brief tour to the United Arab Emirates in February.

Those performances were immediately rewarded with promotion to England's side for the one-day international series in Bangladesh, where the Somerset right-hander hit a century in just his third game.

It provided a compelling case to retain his services at the top of the order and the England selectors have been convinced enough to send him to a major tournament as their number one gloveman.

"Obviously I'm excited and really chuffed to be in the squad," Kieswetter told Somerset's official website.

"It's always great to be included in any team for an important competition, but something like the World Twenty20 is something that is really special for me.

"That came as a bit of a surprise (being the only specialist wicketkeeper) to be honest and now I am really excited about getting my opportunity with the gloves.

"There is obviously going to be competition with Matt Prior but I am chuffed that England have shown faith in me in this competition."

Somerset skipper Marcus Trescothick was pleased for his young county team-mate and believes he will graduate to the role of England's first-choice wicketkeeper in all forms of the game.

"I am really delighted with the news but it comes as no surprise to me having played alongside Craig for the past couple of years," the former England opener said.

"I think it is only a matter of time before Craig takes over the gloves after the performances he has produced recently."