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Former England Test opener Nick Compton has taken encouragement from talk of a recall for Kevin Petersen - and hopes he too can prove his Test worth once more.
Compton was dropped from the England side ahead of the home Ashes series in July 2013, when he was beaten by Joe Root in the race to be Alastair Cook's opening partner.
The 31-year-old said at the time he wasn't given a 'fair crack of the whip' and has reiterated that stance.
The Middlesex batsman told Standard Sport: “The reason I was dropped was more than just runs definitely. You do wonder if your face fits – but it’s not about being a good schoolboy and dotting the i's and crossing the t's - it’s about scoring runs.
“You can pontificate all you like but you do hear rumours about your face not fitting in a set up - but that’s all gone now."
The recent overhaul at the top of English cricket has sparked suggestion there is life in Pietersen's international career, and Compton believes talk the four-time Ashes winner can find a route back into Test cricket will play into his hands.
He added: “Paul Downton has gone and Andy Flower has gone and now there’s a blank canvas – the fact KP has been talked of means myself and KP are hopefully back in the frame for England selection – if we get some runs of course.
“We’ve got the pacemen of South Africa in the winter, we’ve got a fast Australian pace attack this summer – that’s what I was born for to play fast bowling and score runs.
"It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, I am as hungry as ever. I can’t wait to take on Nottinghamshire for Middlesex at Lords on Sunday. There's a stand named after my grandfather here. Lords is glorious this time of year. I can't wait to get started."
Meanwhile, England ODI fast bowler Steven Finn, told Standard Sport he is desperate to play for the Test team again.
“I love playing for England," he said.
"I am absolutely desperate to play for the Test side again.
"I have a lot to offer and hopefully I can start the season with wickets for Middlesex which will put me in the frame again."
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Middlesex take on Nottinghamshire in the first round of the County Championship at Lords from 11am this Sunday. Tickets £17.
