Carl Hopkinson has finally joined Matt Prior in an England side after a six-year wait.

The 18-year-old Haywards Heath batsman links up with Sussex Academy team-mate Prior to face Sri Lanka under-19s at Brighton College from August 5 to 7.

The College pair are in England's NatWest Development of Excellence side.

They are both delighted, but Hopkinson has a special reason to thank the selectors.

He said: "I've been in the national squad set up since I was 12 with Matt.

"But while he has got in the team, I've never managed to make it because of one reason or another.

"There's no rivalry between Matt and I, we're good mates, but I've been unlucky.

"Now I'm very pleased to get in. It's a big honour to be chosen."

Hopkinson believes his recent form has tipped the balance in his favour.

He said: 'I've scored a couple of hundreds for the Sussex under-19s and I'm averaging about 70 to 80 for them. You don't know for sure, but I believe that has helped.

"My form has certainly given me a lot of confidence. I feel now that every time I reach 60 that I will make a hundred.

"That attitude should help me against Sri Lanka. I don't know what to expect from them, but I don't mind who it is, because I feel good about my own game.

"I love building my innings and hopefully I can do that against Sri Lanka."

Hopkinson, who is looking for a professional contract with the county, feels he can cope with the length of the match.

He said: "I've played in a few three-dayers and been okay."

Impressive performances from Hopkinson and Brighton & Hove's Prior, a wicketkeeper/batsman, might earn them a place for the upcoming Test series against the tourists at Trent Bridge, Northampton and Worcester.

The Development side brings together outstanding young players on the verge of full international representative honours and some of the boys may feature in the full Test series.