Lewis stakes early claim for Ashes place

Jon Lewis cannot compete with the likes of Shane Warne and Kevin Pietersen when it comes to creating headlines. But the Gloucestershire paceman lags behind no one in the ambition stakes and he is determined to be a part of this summer's Ashes series.

Lewis was close to winning a first Test cap in South Africa during the winter after being added to England's injury-hit squad. He didn't make it but getting so close was decent reward for several years of consistent form. Lewis followed up by being one of the stars on the A tour to Sri Lanka.

Academy boss Rod Marsh regularly sang his praises and the bowler was straight back in the groove at Southampton on the opening day of the 2005 County Championship, taking three for 51 from 16.5 overs as Hampshire collapsed to 197 all out.

Pietersen sat out what should have been his Hampshire debut because of a foot injury, while captain Warne contributed 22 to a mini home recovery from 109 for six.

Marsh's successor as director of the Academy is expected to be appointed today, with Sussex coach Peter Moores favourite to step into the Australian's shoes in September.

Meanwhile, Martin Bicknel is expected to return for Surrey in Sunday's Tote Sport League game against Yorkshire after pulling out of their Championship opener against Sussex with a hamstring injury. Sussex were due to resume at the Oval today on 171 for four, with England hopeful Matt Prior on 34 not out.