Ashes: Michael Carberry delighted at England call-up

Hampshire batsman Michael Carberry says he was "surprised" to be selected for England's Ashes squad this winter.

Carberry, 32, has played only one Test match for England and that came back in March 2010 against Bangladesh.

But after a fine summer in limited-overs cricket for Hampshire, the left-handed opener has been named in the 17-man squad that will tour Australia.

"When I look over the course of the season I have played well so I'm delighted," he told BBC South Today.

"It was a nice end to the season for me being included in the one day and T20 squads and to make a major Test squad for an Ashes series is a dream come true."

Carberry admitted he thought his Test career was over but says he is determined to take his chance and is not going on tour to make up the numbers.

"There are not a lot of guys starting a Test career at my age, so it's a bit of a rarity, but as people say if you're old enough, you're good enough," he said.

"I'm not sure what my role will be. I'll bat anywhere, for me it's about enjoying the challenge of being out there against the best in the world and pitting my skills against theirs.

"It will be nice to get Test number two, it's been well documented that my last Test was three years ago, so to potentially add to that in a big series, the challenge will be to prove myself. I'm looking forward to it."