Jon Lewis fervently hopes his England debut is now a case of when not if after being named in both the Test and one-day squads.
Gloucestershire seamer Lewis, 29, has been on the periphery of the international side since August but is yet to make his bow, having been omitted from the final XI in England's last two Tests.
Just like Ian Bell last year in the batting department, Lewis has inherited the tag of `man-in-waiting' after incisive, consistent form on the county circuit.
He also impressed enough on the tour of South Africa, after being called in as bowling cover, to be seriously considered for the final match in the 2-1 series victory, eventually being overlooked after a delayed start to the Centurion contest.
Lewis, who is in the 12 for the second npower Test at Chester-le-Street from Friday and the 14-man party for the triangular NatWest Series which begins in a fortnight, said: "I will probably be picked when everyone is not expecting me to be.
"Whenever it happens will be fine by me, whether it is due to certain conditions or whether they want a change of direction for the attack.
"It is a pretty hectic schedule ahead, one which is exciting, and I feel my chance will come in the one-day series whether it be against Australia or Bangladesh.
"To make my debut against Australia would be fantastic but I will just have to make sure I am ready whenever called upon."
Lewis demanded attention last season when, as well as claiming 57 County Championship victims at 25 apiece, he took 35 one-day wickets at an average of two per match, exactly the kind of consistency demanded of him by chairman of selectors David Graveney upon being asked what was needed for international consideration two years ago.
"When I spoke to David asking for advice on what I needed to do, I was told I needed to be considered for both forms of the game and that I needed to be the best bowler at Gloucestershire to play for England," Lewis said. "Feedback like that helped.
"England are a very good team at the moment so it is very hard to get into the side.
"Everyone knows their roles, no-one stands out but each individual chips in and works together - but it is good to know you are the next guy into the team.
"It is important for people to feel settled in the environment and spending time around the squad helps that."
Improvement with the white ball was catalysed by the departure of Australian one-day specialist Ian Harvey from Bristol, as Lewis responded to greater opportunity.
