Carberry keen to catch the eye

Michael Carberry admits the absence of England captain Andrew Strauss cast a significant shadow over his call-up to the Test squad but is desperate to step out of it in Bangladesh.

Strauss controversially opted not to take part in the tour, a decision taken to avoid future fatigue, leading to Carberry's selection as cover at the top of the order. It is unlikely Carberry would have got the nod had Strauss made himself available for the tour, but the Hampshire batsman is trying not to devote too much thought to the circumstances around his selection.

"Straussy's got something like 5,500 Test runs and 17 centuries so, yes, those are pretty big shoes to fill," he conceded ahead of Sunday's three-day warm-up against Bangladesh A. "But he is not here, he's having a break. I'm just trying to focus on what I need to do and not to get caught up in the hype around whether I should be here or not."

He added: "I just need to get on with the job in hand which is going out there, building a partnership with Alastair Cook at the top of the order and setting a foundation for the other batsmen."

As one of only two specialist openers in the squad, Carberry has a strong claim to a place in the Test XI, but both Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell are alternatives at the head of the innings should England opt to squeeze all-rounder Luke Wright into the side.

Carberry, though, will be doing everything in his power to catch the eye.

"Sport at the highest level is about being an opportunist when the chances come," he said.

"Twelve months ago I wouldn't have pictured myself here.

"The fact that I am means I've now to get make the most of whatever small opportunities I get."