By Oliver Brett BBC Sport

The couple of guys who have come in, Dalrymple and Yardy, have done reasonably well Ian Blackwell

Somerset's Ian Blackwell is refusing to give up on hopes of an England recall despite missing nearly the whole of the season following a shoulder operation.

Blackwell's chances of making any World Cup appearances look in jeopardy following encouraging performances from Jamie Dalrymple and Michael Yardy.

But the all-rounder said: "I am going to have a slow winter, making my shoulder as strong as possible.

"Then I'll be in position for a possible England recall."

Blackwell, 28, played in England's last one-day series on tour, when England succumbed 5-1 to India.

The slow left-armer and big-hitting left-handed batsman has played 34 one-day internationals and has bowled nicely at times.

But the leading string to his bow in domestic cricket, batting, has never taken off for England, and he averages just 14.92.

He told BBC Sport: "I've adapted pretty well in one-day cricket.

"I've enjoyed plaing for England as a bowler-cum-batsman but I know that's not really my ideal strength in a game of cricket."

He admitted he had found bowling easier than batting when playing for England, adding: "Maybe it's because you get more than one opportunity with the ball. It's less pressure."

Blackwell was not surprised to miss selection for the various England tours this winter.

He said: "Of course missing out is going to be disappointing, but they couldn't really have picked a player who's possibly on the fringes anyway and hasn't played all county season.

"The couple of guys who have come in, Dalrymple and Yardy, have done reasonably well.