Dalrymple has shown plenty of spirit in his one-day performances

The Middlesex all-rounder could win his first cap in Sydney, a ground which traditionally helps spin bowlers.

"I'm desperate to play," said Dalrymple, who could also supply useful runs at number eight.

"If I get the chance at Sydney, it would be superb. It would be great experience against a very good side."

Dalrymple has been a fixture in England's limited overs side since the summer and was called into the Test squad in Australia when Ashley Giles returned home to be with his wife, who has undergone brain surgery.

606 DEBATE: Should Dalrymple be selected?

He has so far been restricted to carrying the drinks and short appearances in the field as a substitute, but provides the tour selectors with a useful extra option for Sydney where spinners Eddie Hemmings and Phil Tufnell shared 12 wickets for England in 1991.

England will practice at the SCG on New Year's Eve and an inspection of the pitch will help determine whether Dalrymple will be included alongside slow left-armer Monty Panesar.

But whether he plays or not, 25-year-old Dalrymple believes the game could spark an upturn in England's form if they can prevent Australia taking the series 5-0.

"There are resilient guys here and they want to go out and win the Test next week.

"There are a couple of retirement parties [for Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath] to break up and the team are burning to put down a marker that won't be forgotten next time we're playing against the Aussies," he said.

"We're on the wrong end of a result against a very good side. They are in their backyard and they've been pumped up for a long time about this particular contest.

"It's always been a trait of theirs that they will fight very hard. It's just a case of pushing them and we need to push them a bit harder next time.

"There is a huge amount of the winter left. The Ashes Test series has been a huge disappointment but there is a triangular series against two very good sides [Australia and New Zealand] and if we can play well in that, we can look forward to the World Cup."