Nick Compton keen to prove England credentials with Middlesex

England opener Nick Compton is hoping to prove his Test worth with a strong start to the domestic season with Middlesex.

Compton was part of the victorious England team which beat South Africa 2-1 in their back yard at the start of the year and is hoping to retain his place as captain Alastair Cook’s opening partner.

The Middlesex batsman has previously spoken of not getting a ‘fair crack of the whip’ after he was dropped from the England side ahead of the home Ashes series against Australia in July 2013.

The 32-year-old, who averaged 30 on his return to the Test side in South Africa at the start of 2016, told Standard Sport: “I thought that I provided a platform for England really well during the series in South Africa.

“The consistency with which I approached each innings was something I was pleased with particularly in the games in Durban and Cape Town which we won and drew to help set us for the series win.

“Whenever you score runs for club or country it’s a good feeling.”

Compton’s returns declined following his dogged 85 in Durban on a slow surface - a score which put the tourist's on course for a 241-run victory.

Indeed, the 32-year-old did not do enough against the Proteas to nail down his place in the Test squad for the forthcoming series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.