I hate associating people with Adam Gilchrist but the way he swings the bat is very similar Collingwood on Mustard

First-choice keeper Matt Prior was ruled out of the five-match series after breaking his thumb while on World Twenty20 duty in South Africa.

And Mustard, who averages 49.61 in domestic one-day cricket this season, will fly to Sri Lanka on Sunday.

"Ultimately my ambition is to represent England at all levels and that means Tests as well as one-dayers," he said.

"It was a surprise to get the call, but I'm delighted," he told BBC Radio 5live.

"My one-day form this season has been excellent - when you're averaging around 50 you must be doing something right and things could not really have gone better for me."

Mustard, 24, insists he has the mental strength to deal with the constant pressure of keeping wicket for England.

"You've just got to be strong and put up with it," he said. "There will be times when you drop chances or don't make a score, of course, but you accept that there will be criticism and you get on with it."

606: DEBATE Is Mustard the right choice?

Chairman of selectors David Graveney explained Mustard's call-up, saying: "Phil's been in outstanding form.

"He also has experience of opening the innings in domestic one-day cricket, and this is an excellent opportunity for him to test himself at a higher level."

One-day skipper Paul Collingwood, a county team-mate of Mustard's, added: "He's a great timer of the ball and hits it very hard. I hate associating people with Adam Gilchrist but the way he swings the bat is very similar.

"He's had a great season with Durham, deserves his chance and I look forward to him coming out.

"He's a great lad, he looks at the ball and hits it. Sometimes you can get over-confused when you play cricket and he keeps it very simple."