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XtraTime Web Desk: England’s new batting sensation Tom Banton feels breaking into the present England ODI side is perhaps the most difficult job to do. The Somerset cricketer has been making huge strides in the shorter format of the game, especially in franchise cricket. With regular ODI stars like Ben Stokes, Josh Buttler busy with the test assignment against Pakistan, the ensuing three match ODI series against Ireland creates a huge opportunity for Banton to stake his claim in the England ODI side.
"It's probably the most difficult sports team in the world to get into at the moment," he said at a virtual press conference prior to the third and final ODI on Tuesday.
The Kolkata Knight Rider’s cricketer has his task cut out as he is forced to play in the middle order instead of his preferred opening slot.
"Especially for me as an opener, trying to get in ahead of Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow is pretty hard. I'm just going to keep trying to score as many runs as possible and see where that takes me."
That established partnership of Roy and Bairstow at the top of the order has meant Banton has had to slot in at No 4 in the first two games against Ireland and after scores of 11 and 15, he is hoping to go big in the third.
"I'd like to think [I'm due a score]. I'm trying not to put too much pressure on myself and enjoy it," he added. "Playing for England is a dream come true and whether this is my last game for England or whatever, I'm just going to try and enjoy it as much as possible.”