World Twenty20 2014: England's Craig Kieswetter 'surprised' by call

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Craig KieswetterImage source, Getty Images
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Craig Kieswetter

Craig Kieswetter says he wants to make the most of his call-up to England's World Twenty20 squad as a replacement for the injured Luke Wright.

The Somerset wicketkeeper-batsman, 26, has not featured for England in the format since the last World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka 18 months ago.

"I was surprised and delighted," said Kieswetter. "I'll do as well as I can to put my hat in the ring."

He got the call while playing in a warm-up game against Worcestershire.

The South African-born player said: "The competition had started and they'd gone with their squad. I thought I'd probably missed this World Cup. I was getting ready for pre-season with Somerset.

"I was actually batting when I got the call and I had to try and organise all sorts of bits and bobs and kit while I was out there in the middle. The 12th man had to keep running on and off, so it was pretty chaotic.

"I've been out for 12 months or more, so I'm delighted to be back. First and foremost, the most important thing is to be involved again - to be around the team is always a good thing."

He landed in Bangladesh on Monday morning and is in contention to give the side another six-hitting option should coach Ashley Giles choose to change the side that was controversially beaten by New Zealand in a rain-affected opener in Chittagong.

Kieswetter, who has played 46 one-day internationals and 25 T20 internationals, lost his place as England's limited-overs wicketkeeper to former county team-mate Jos Buttler just over a year ago.

He believes a dip was inevitable after scoring a one-day century, external on only his third appearance before playing a key role in England's World Twenty20 triumph, external in the Caribbean four years ago.

He added: "There has always been an open channel of communication between the selectors and myself and the coach. I got some honest feedback and went away and worked at it. The work I've been doing has paid off."

Wright, 29, who was ruled out with a right side strain, is the third player from England's original squad to withdraw from the tournament before their first match last Saturday.

Joe Root and Ben Stokes both pulled out with hand injuries.

England's next Super 10 match - against Sri Lanka - takes place in Chittagong on Thursday.

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