Says it's an 'unfair' deal but ready to play for England in future

Ramprakash turns down standby offer for Sri Lanka

Cricinfo staff

November 10, 2007

Mark Ramprakash: "It's not my burning ambition to play for England again" © Getty Images

Mark Ramprakash has turned down an offer to be on standby for England's upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, reports the Daily Mail.

Ramprakash was told he would be called up for the tour in case a senior batsman was injured. "I really don't understand that," Ramprakash said at a Surrey educational open day at The Oval. "I said 'No' given that wording because there's so much ambiguity about it. I don't understand the logic of saying I would only go if a senior batsman was injured. What constitutes a senior batsman? It's not as if England have an ageing side. I felt it was an unfair offer."

The 38-year-old Ramprakash was overlooked for the tour despite being the leading run-scorer in the Championship in the last two seasons at an average of over 100.

However, Ramprakash indicated that he was still eager to play for England. "I hope my opinion is understood, reported back to whoever needs to hear it and is treated fairly," he said. "If England want to pick me for the New Zealand tour in the New Year or next summer I am available, motivated, committed and ready, but it would not be the be-all and end-all for me.

I don't touch alcohol, my fitness tests are as good as ever and I've lost no hunger for playing as I approach my testimonial year

"I can't see why we can't just pick our best seven batsmen and get on with trying to win matches because with that comes momentum, but if in the opinion of the selectors I am not one of the best seven batsmen I can accept that."

Ramprakash said he wasn't perturbed by not earning an England call-up. "I thought my chances of going would be improved when they decided not to take Andrew Strauss. But it's fine, it's not my burning ambition to play for England again.

"I am totally committed to Surrey, have two years left on my contract and will continue to enjoy playing for them. I don't touch alcohol, my fitness tests are as good as ever and I've lost no hunger for playing as I approach my testimonial year."

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