Lyth gunning for Ashes spot after maiden Test century

Lyth’s 107 in the first innings of England’s defeat to the Black Caps on his home ground at Headingley should cement his place at the top of the order as Alastair Cook’s side look to snatch back the Urn.

The former Scarborough batsman only managed 24 in the second innings as England collapsed to a 199-run defeat to tie the two-Test series at 1-1.

Lyth told The Scarborough News: “I’m expecting to be at the Swalec Stadium for the first Ashes Test.

“It’s what every English cricketer dreams of and I’m no different.

“Growing up as a young kid you think about one day playing for England in the Ashes, and hopefully I will get the chance now.

“It would be a proud moment for me if I’m selected.”

The former Scarborough CC batsman admits he felt more pressure heading into the Second Test in front of his home crowd at Headingley than he did making his Test debut at Lord’s.

“There were more nerves for Headingley than Lord’s, I didn’t get much sleep,” added Lyth.

“I slept really well before Lord’s, but I don’t mind having a sleepless night if I score a hundred every game.”

Lyth’s 107 in the first innings proved to be in vain as Brendon McCullum’s New Zealand levelled the two-match series with victory on day five.

The Yorkshire opener added: “It was a very proud moment for me.

“There was some pressure going into the game as I’d have liked to have scored more runs in the First Test.

“To get a century in front of my home fans and my family was a great experience.”

Lyth has had positive feedback from the England coaching staff and management, much to the Whitby left-hander’s delight.

He added: “They’ve been pleased with how I’ve gone about things so far.

“To get that first hundred was great and hopefully it’s the first of many in an England shirt.”