SHAUN UDAL has kicked off his benefit year, insisting: "I can still play for England."

Former Hampshire vice-captain Udal's benefit was launched at the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel - the first of 25 events marking his 15th year with the club.

And the off spinner is determined to make 2002 a memorable season, with a Test debut and another trophy in his sights.

Basingstoke-based Udal, 32, has played ten one-day internationals for England but a place in the 1994-95 Ashes squad is as close as he has been to playing Test cricket.

Udal, right, who has taken 506 first class wickets at 34.08, said: "My record is as good as any other off spinner's in England. The selectors have obviously got their reasons for leaving me out but I've still got ambitions to play Test cricket.

"Richard Dawson is a very promising young player. The selectors obviously like what they see of him but things can change very quickly and I have to be in a position to give myself a chance of a call up."

Udal, who works for the Karran Printing Group in Guildford during the winter, helped Hampshire win the 1991 NatWest Trophy and the Benson and Hedges Cup ten years ago.

"It would really put the icing on the cake if I could win a Test cap and a trophy this year," he added. "The championship is still the big one and we have to start the season believing that we can do that. I don't see why we can't. It will require a real team effort but we did well to win promotion last season and the championship is what the chairman deserves for everything he has done for the club. That and promotion to Division 1 of the one-day league."

Dad-of-two Udal added: "I've been privileged to have played with two geniuses in Malcolm Marshall and Shane Warne during my time with Hampshire. I've also played with great batsmen like David Gower and Robin Smith, while Mark Nicholas is undoubtedly the best captain I've ever played under.

"Anything I get from this benefit year will be a bonus because I've had some fantastic times with the club over the years.

"There are some fantastic events coming up including a dinner at St Mary's, and the main thing is that people enjoy them."

Wicketkeeper Adrian Aymes has played with Udal since the off spinner made his first class debut as a 20-year-old against Oxford University in 1989. "Shaun had a very good season with the ball last year and there's no reason why he shouldn't play for England," said Aymes.

"He was on the shortlist to go on the tour of India and he bats better than most spinners."

For more details on Shaun Udal's benefit see: www.shaunudal-benefit.cricket.org