Sussex fast bowler James Kirtley was celebrating today after he was called into the England squad for the first time.

The 26-year-old from Eastbourne has been included in a 16-man squad which will play five one-day internationals in Zimbabwe next month.

Kirtley, who toured with England A two years ago, received the news in a phone call from chairman of selectors David Graveney this morning.

He said: "As you can imagine I am absolutely thrilled. It's a great feeling to know that you have been recognised by your country."

England will head out to Zimbabwe on Wednesday September 26 - ten days after the end of the county season - and will play the first of five one-day internationals a week later.

Several uncapped players are in the squad, including Essex wicketkeeper James Foster and Gloucestershire all-rounder Jeremy Snape.

Graveney said: "The selectors intend to use this squad to explore various options. There are a number of senior players who have been left out but they will remain part of the thinking for the next World Cup."

Uncapped pair Richard Dawson and Foster have been called into the full winter tour squad for India and New Zealand.

Yorkshire off-spinner Dawson, who has played a major role in securing their first championship in 33 years, is given his first taste of international cricket in a three-strong spin contingent also including Robert Croft and Ashley Giles.

The emerging Foster is also included following the selectors' decision not to consider either Alec Stewart or Darren Gough because they are unwilling to tour India before Christmas.

TEST SQUAD: Hussain (Essex), Trescothick (Somerset), Butcher, Thorpe, Ramprakash (all Surrey), Afzaal (Nottinghamshire), Vaughan (Yorkshire), Hegg (Lancashire), Foster (Essex), White (Yorkshire), Giles (Warwickshire), Croft (Glamorgan), Dawson (Yorkshire), Caddick (Somerset), Ormond (Leicestershire), Hoggard (Yorkshire).

ONE-DAY SQUAD: Hussain, Collingwood (Durham), Flintoff, Foster, Grayson, Hoggard, B. Hollioake, Kirtley (Sussex), Knight (Warwickshire), Ormond, Ramprakash, Shah (Middlesex), Sidebottom (Yorkshire), Snape (Gloucestershire), Trescothick, White.

ACADEMY SQUAD: Bell (Warwickshire), Harrison (Durham), Jones (Glamorgan), Kenway (Hampshire), Key (Kent), Kirby (Yorkshire), Peng (Durham), Schofield (Lancashire), Strauss (Middlesex), G. Swann (Northamptonshire), Tremlett (Hampshire), Tudor (Surrey), Wallace (Glamorgan), Wagh (Warwickshire), Wood (Yorkshire).