From working in a warehouse to being touted for an international future, Jason Brown has had a year to savour.

Brown began last summer with the prospect of another frustrating season in Northants' second team. But a lorry load of wickets later, the county were the Second Division champions and Brown was pondering a winter in the West Indies.

The 26-year-old off spinner is scheduled to depart for the Caribbean in the new year as part of the England 'A' squad. Yet given the rumblings emerging from Pakistan, Brown may earn his first experience of international cricket at the highest level.

There has been no shortage of speculation over whether England will continue with the horribly out-of-sorts Ian Salisbury for the second leg of the senior tour to Sri Lanka. It is Brown who is considered the most probable call-up should a replacement be required.

It would be due reward for a summer that was as successful as it was unexpected.

In 10 first class matches, Brown teased and turned his way to 61 wickets - his career tally at the start of the summer was six fewer. Of English qualified spinners, only Phil Tufnell took more and only Salisbury garnered wickets at a brisker rate.

"It would be fantastic - but I can't think of that," said Brown.

"This year I have learnt to not worry about anything else - I can't control what the coach does or what the other players do.

"In previous seasons I'd let that worry me and that had dented my confidence.

"But last year I stopped worrying and got on with the job."

Once given his chance, he prospered, twice taking 10 wickets in a game. When the time came for the tour squads to be debated and chosen, the unassuming Brown had his backers for the main event.

"It was nice to be thought of that way but I think the first step for me is the A tour," he said during a break from pre-tour training at Edgbaston.

"I've got one foot on the ladder now and it hopefully can only get better from here on in."

Whatever awaits the affable 26-year-old in the West Indies, it will be a new experience.

"I haven't been on many tours before so for me everything is going to be a big change.

"Whether I play or not, just being away from home for two months is different.