SOMERSET batsman James Hildreth has moved a step closer to a full England call up following some impressive displays for the England Performance Programme XI on their tour to India.

The 23-year-old, who returned to Taunton this week, scored 134 off 130 balls in the first match and followed it up with 63 in the second.

Hildreth is highly rated by the England hierarchy and those two innings that will have enhanced his chances of being included on the England Lions (formery England A) squad for their tour to India which begins at the end of January.

The talented youngster is determined to be on that tour and then make the next step up to the full England side.

Hildreth said this week: "I was very happy with the way I batted in the two matches.

"It was good to get some time out in the middle and score some runs, especially in front of the England coaches.

"Having been part of the England set up and working with coaches like Martin Moxon has made me even more determined to be involved with England Lions and of course go on and play at Test level.

"This experience has given me the confidence and determination to want to go on and play for the full international side."

The head coach for the tour was former Somerset coach Kevin Shine, who has known Hildreth since the young batsman was on the Academy at the County Ground.

Shine said: "We know James is a very talented player and he worked very hard on the tour.

"When he worked on the technical aspects of his game with Martin Moxon he showed some real improvements and we saw some really good stuff."