Sam Robson: Middlesex batsman backed for England Lions

The international future of Middlesex batsman Sam Robson may be decided this winter, says Angus Fraser.

The 24-year-old, who is eligible to play for England and Australia, has scored over 1,000 runs this year.

Middlesex managing director of cricket Fraser told BBC London 94.9: "The next major development will be to see what happens this winter.

"England have shown some interest in him and he has been spoken to the ECB, as well as people in Australia."

Robson, who was born in Sydney, is the second-highest run-scorer in the County Championship this season, with 1,091 runs at an average of 49.59.

He is able to play in county cricket as a non-overseas player because of his British mother and earlier this year the former Australia Under-19 international qualified to represent England via residency rules.

Fraser, who took 177 wickets in 46 Tests for England, believes Robson deserves a call-up to the England Lions squad.

"It is whether the selectors decide to pick him for a Lions tour," Fraser said.

"I hope they do because he is a fine young batsman who has had an outstanding year.

"I don't think his position has changed in that he is committed to trying to play for England."

Meanwhile, Fraser says Middlesex's plans for next season will hinge on whether batman Eoin Morgan is handed another central contract by England.

"The big thing for us is where Eoin is," Fraser said.

"We have two players on central contracts [Morgan and Steven Finn].

"We are not 100% sure whether Eoin will have his central contract renewed. If he comes back onto Middlesex's wage bill that eats up a sizeable sum of the pot I have got.

"There isn't a great deal of money flowing around.

"I don't expect us to be making many signings at all, other than some young cricketers and renewing contracts with cricketers who are already at the club.

"We have made quite a number of major signings in the last couple of years with Joe Denly two years ago and James Harris last year.

"Our first team is in reasonably good shape and we want some youngsters coming through now to push and challenge for places."