Somerset's James Hildreth excited by Australia trip

Hildreth scored a century on debut for Somerset in 2003

Somerset's James Hildreth says he has achieved one of his main aims of the season by gaining selection to the England performance squad.

The 26-year-old is joined in the squad for the trip to Australia by Somerset team-mate Craig Kieswetter.

"It's hugely exciting and another stepping stone of where I want to get to," Hildreth told BBC Somerset.

"To get the Lions call was something I was searching for during the season so to get it is very pleasing indeed."

The performance side will be based in Brisbane from 13 November and will play a four-day match against a Queensland XI before relocating to Perth on 29 November to play a Western Australia XI.

They will remain in Perth for the lead up to the third Ashes Test before returning to the UK on 16 December.

With the main Ashes team out there it's going to be an awesome experience for me just to see how everything works.

James Hildreth

"We've got a couple of games while on tour and my sole focus is getting runs in those games and showing what I'm about," said Hildreth.

"It's just about knocking on the door and pushing those guys that are cemented in the team.

"With the main Ashes team out there it's going to be an awesome experience for me just to see how everything works."

Hildreth was named joint player of the year for Somerset on Wednesday along with fast bowler Alfonso Thomas.

"He had a brilliant season and won us a lot of games in the one-day format so he deserved it as much as I did," he said.

And despite being runners-up in the T20, CB40 and County Championship Division One the former England Under-19 international is remaining positive.

"Brian Rose said we're on a journey and next season we'll be pushing even further," he said

"We'll have a similar team with some new additions and even though we missed out in all three competitions it's a massive step in the right direction."