When Richard Johnson took 10-45 in a Championship innings in 1994, few observers could have expected that nine years later he would still not have played for England.
 Consistent success has brought Johnson back into the England fold |
Even though he has been named in the 12-man squad to play Zimbabwe at Chester-le-Street, he knows better than to expect a Test debut will finally come. He has been this far before.
But even if he does not take his bow this week, Somerset's imposing pace bowler is almost certain of playing for England this summer.
He was just 19 when he skittled Derbyshire, becoming the first county bowler in 30 years to account for an entire line-up.
Now 28, he can still realistically harbour hopes of playing in the next World Cup after being elevated to the England one-day squad for the first time last week.
And after nine years, which have included a change of counties, a remodelled action and a senior England tour of India when he barely played, he boasts a wealth of experience.
Johnson was named as an England tourist to South Africa in 1995 but had to pull out with stress fractures in his back.
 |  Australia games are always the big ones and to be in the 12 but not play was frustrating |
It was not until he moved from Middlesex to Somerset six years later that he gained another chance, but three call-ups during that summer's Ashes series came to nought. "It's always frustrating to be left out but you can't let it get to you - if you do it will affect you," he told the BBC Sport website.
"Australia games are always the big ones and to be in the 12 but not play was frustrating.
"But it's always frustrating to be left out, even at Somerset."
Johnson headed west from Lord's citing staleness but he was also motivated by the presence at Taunton of coach Kevin Shine, with whom he has worked closely since.
After taking 62 wickets in his first season there, his injury woes continued with knee trouble last term.
But a new action developed over the winter, gaining increased swing, has already brought 23 first-class wickets in five matches this season.
And his one-day international prospects improved after he scored a maiden century in the opening Championship match of this season.
| Johnson saw India as a 'learning experience' |
"If you're taking wickets then you've always got a chance of being called up," he says. "I've believed for a while that I'm in the mix so it's just a matter of staying fit and taking wickets."
Johnson is not one for histrionics.
A more emotional player would have been upset by playing just a single in a tour match in India after replacing Andy Caddick, who pulled out with security fears.
But, as his BBC Sport tour diary showed at the time, he regarded the whole thing as another vital part of his development.
"It was my first senior tour and I was exposed to all the difficulties and pressures for the first time," he says now. "It was another learning experience."
That experience should stand him in good stead when - not if - he finally pulls on an England jersey this summer.
MMIX
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