Kent batsman Daniel Bell-Drummond believes he is in the best shape of his career and is hopeful of impressing the national selectors on the England Performance Programme.

Bell-Drummond, who made his county debut in 2011, was selected to participate in the batting camp which travelled to the United Arab Emirates last week for an intense programme working with high-level coaches.

The EPP squad will then take part in a five-match T20 series between England Lions and Pakistan A.

The 22-year-old, who plays for Kent Premier League side Blackheath, said: “I am really looking forward to it. It’s a real honour to represent your country at any level, I’ve experienced it through the age groups but this is certainly a step-up.

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“Hopefully I can do well and impress the coaches and selectors.

“I’m looking forward to furthering my skills and to kick on in my career. Testing yourself against other top players is what it is all about and I’m sure it will be a brilliant experience.”

The EPP is directed by former England head coach Andy Flower, Graham Thorpe and Gary Kirsten.

Bell-Drummond, who grew up in Lewisham, acknowledges that the trip will provide a stern test but believes he is capable of performing at the higher level.

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He said: “Working with people like Flower, Kirsten and Thorpe – great coaches and former top players – will be invaluable.

“Hopefully I can make the most of the coaches, the facilities and the whole experience.

“It will be a test for sure but I’m quite confident that I’ll be able to adapt to the conditions and the different styles and show my talent.

“I feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in, but I’m fully aware that there’s a long way to go and I’m willing to work hard on my game.”

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Bell-Drummond has scored seven hundreds for Kent but began to be voiced as a future England star after scoring a stunning ton against the touring Australians before the Ashes.

The talented batsman admitted he took a great deal of confidence from the innings.

“It certainly gave me a lot of confidence to kick on in my career,” he added. “It showed that I could do it against a world class attack.

“Hopefully I can take that experience into this trip – I’ll be looking to play in the same way I have for Kent.

“I’m not putting massive pressure on myself because I know my performances have warranted my position here.”

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