Andrew Hodd has been selected for England under-17s three-week tour of Australia in April.

The 17-year Sussex Academy wicketkeeper-batsman, from Bexhill, is in a 14-strong party to face South Australia under-17s and an Australian under-17s development team.

Hodd, a pupil at Bexhill Sixth Form College, believes the experience will further his ambition to become a professional cricketer with county and country. He has already toured the West Indies with the South of England (1998) and South Africa with the Sussex Academy (1999).

Hodd has also been selected for a Sussex trip to Sri Lanka in December. He said: "It's a good start to the year for me. Australia are by far the best side in the world and I really admire their approach. They are outgoing, self-confident and brash. They are brilliant and I think I can learn from them. Playing on Australian pitches in Australian conditions will add another string to my bow.

"I am looking forward to using their Academy and seeing the development programmes they have down there."

Hodd has been in the national set up since playing for the England under-14s and is fast developing at county level.

He helped guide Sussex under-19s to national inter-county cup glory last summer three years above his age group and topped the batting averages with 67. Hodd will to switch to County League premier side Horsham this summer from relegated Bexhill.

He said: "I want to play in as high a level of cricket as possible with my club and county. I'm working hard on technique and in the nets at the County Ground and at Arundel twice a week through the winter.

"It is good to get national recognition but I know I haven't achieved anything yet. My main aim is to be a professional with Sussex and, hopefully, play for England seniors one day. Trips like Australia can help."