Andrew Hodd hopes selection for England under-19s will help earn him a professional contract with Sussex.

The 18-year-old from Bexhill has been selected to play against Australia in a three-match Test Series at the end of the year.

Hodd, a wicketkeeper-batsman, said: "I stepped up a level this summer, playing more Second XI cricket and I did not do as well as I would like to have done.

"I wanted more from the season, enough to make the county feel I am worth signing on.

"I'm hoping the tour down under can help me earn a deal. It should be high profile.

"I've taken a year out before I start university at Loughborough to try and achieve my main aim to become a professional cricketer."

Hodd faces stiff competition in the gloves department at the County Ground from Tim Ambrose and Matt Prior. He said: "They are two of the best young wicketkeepers in the country. They are fabulous players and I want to rival them.

"I've got a great feeling for Sussex. First and foremost, I want to make it with the county as I have been at Hove since I was young.

"If that is not to be I would have to consider another county as an option.

"But I'm not thinking like that right now."

Hodd was ready for a winter of club cricket in Perth until England came knocking.

He said: "I have got a friend, Andy Perry, who is also with the Sussex Academy and I was going to go with him. But I willingly put off those plans. Playing for England is such an honour and I feel it will also help my development.

"I have played for my country through the age groups since under-14s and always had the same coach (Paul Farbrace). He is a fine coach and I get on well with him. I know he will look after me. Afterall, he was a wicketkeeper."

It will be Hodd's second visit with a touring party down under. He attended the Adelaide Academy for three weeks with England under-17s.

"I had a session or two with Rodney Marsh just before he came on board with England."

The Test matches will be played in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. There will also be a one-day series.

Hodd said: "It is a fantastic chance. It is the best tour you can go on."

Hodd, who helped Horsham win the Sussex Cup and finish runners-up in the league, will attend once-a-month sessions at Lilleshall before departure.