SOMERSET batsman Nick Compton who made his England debut in the winning series against India before Christmas was back at the County Ground on Tuesday before heading off to New Zealand at the start of next week.

His England selection came on the back of a highly successful season for Somerset which saw him score almost 1200 runs at an average of just under 100.

Compton said: “It feels great to be playing Test Match cricket and I guess it's a bit like a dream come true for me. It really is something that I have worked very hard towards even though at time is felt like it was a million miles away.”

The 29-year-old made his first class debut for Middlesex way back in 2004 and believes leaving London was a key move in his career.

"There are a lot of reasons for getting my late call-up,” he said. “One is leaving London and coming down to a different environment which was slightly out of my comfort zone, which helped me to grow.”

Looking ahead to the Test series in New Zealand he said: “It’s quite clear that this is a big series for me and I'm not looking any further than the games against New Zealand. I am taking it one game at a time and not looking ahead to the rest of the year.”

Jos Buttler has made a flying start for England in the T20 series out in New Zealand, The 22 year old has scored three half centuries in his first four innings as well as claiming several catches behind the stumps.

Somerset captain Anya Shrubsole has also helped to bowl England Women into the latter stages of the ICC World Cup in India, while 18 year old Craig Overton is currently playing for the England Lions in Australia.

The re-arranged Somerset AGM will take place on Tuesday, February 19, at 7.30pm at the County Ground.