Jake Ball has described being selected in this winter’s Ashes squad as ‘amazing’ after fighting his way back to fitness with Nottinghamshire in the second half of the 2017 season.

The right-arm seamer has not played for England this summer after picking up a knee injury on the eve of the first Test of the summer against South Africa in July.

But the 26-year-old has come back determinedly in NatWest T20 Blast cricket – where he helped the Outlaws to their inaugural title in that format – and in the Specsavers County Championship.

“It seemed like quite a long wait to find out if I would be in, as I knew it was going to be announced today, and I went through all the emotions,” he said.

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to make the squad, so it’s great to know the selectors have faith in me.”

“I found out late last night. When I got the nod it was just an amazing feeling because the Ashes is a series you want to be involved in and Australia is a place you want to tour.

“It’s been a funny year for me with the injury and not playing a Test, having been away touring with England all last winter. I wasn’t sure if I was going to make the squad, so it’s great to know the selectors have faith in me.

“It makes me feel welcome in the England set-up and they have been good at giving players chances to prove themselves.”

Ball’s summer injury paved the way for Toby Roland-Jones to make his Test debut against South Africa, an opportunity the Middlesex bowler took with both hands as he went on to take 17 wickets in four Tests at 19.64.

However, a injury to his back has subsequently ruled Roland-Jones out, boosting the Mansfield-born former Welbeck CC man’s opportunity of returning.

Ball added: “I said at the time that getting injured is part and parcel of being a bowler and you have to accept it when it happens.

“It’s not very nice that it’s happened for Toby at such a crucial time, but I’m sure he will come back strongly in the long run."

Out in Australia, Ball will be joined by team-mate and senior England bowler Stuart Broad, who has previously toured down under.

Having made three Test and 14 one-day appearances to date, he believes that will be a big help in getting his preparations right.

“It’s really good for me that he’s in the team as he’s someone I get on really well with and look up to,” said Ball.

“I’m looking forward to getting out there now and trying to force my way into the team.”

“He was one of the first to send me a message and congratulate me on making the squad.

“I’m looking forward to getting out there now and trying to force my way into the team because once you’re in the squad you want to play.

“There are a couple of warm-up games where I might have the chance to do that, so it’s all about showing what you can do.”

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