ENGLAND Twenty20 hero Craig Kieswetter is setting his sights on scoring runs for Somerset in a bid to win a place in the Test match side.

The wicketkeeper-batsman was named man of the match as England defeated Australia by seven wickets in the ICC World Twenty20 final in Barbados on Sunday.

The South African-born 22-year-old top scored with 63 from 49 balls in the final but impressed throughout the tournament with his explosive batting an sharp glovework.

Kieswetter, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence with the national side, was back at the County Ground yesterday (Wednesday) and revealed his hopes of winning a Test place, currently held by Matt Prior.

He said: “I am not trying to look too far ahead yet because for me it is all about coming back here to Taunton and trying to work harder and put in the hard graft and some runs on the board for Somerset.

“I will hopefully progress to the Test side as soon as possible, but Matty Prior has got the gloves at the moment and it’s my job to keep pushing him.

“However, I am not going to keep pushing him unless I get runs in the Championship games, so I am looking forward to being back at Taunton and playing some Championship cricket as well.”

On his success with England, Kieswetter said: “It was nice to get runs and be part of a side that wins and being nominated man of the match made it even sweeter.

“I thought one of the bowlers would have got the award because they helped us win the game so dramatically, but I am very proud and also very excited about where I can take my game.”

Kieswetter also joked about winning his place back in the Somerset side, following the success of his replacement Jos Buttler.

He said: “Jos has been exceptional so, hopefully, I will be able to get my spot back and get some runs!”

Somerset’s director of cricket Brian Rose believes Kieswetter’s success is great news for Somerset. He said: “We are tremendously proud to have a Somerset cricketer representing England and coming back with a winners medal as well as the man of the match award.

“I think this great for Somerset cricket and great for all of the youngsters that we have got coming through the system.”