ENGLAND’S Ashes heroes are not the only cricketers striving for success in Australia this winter, as Lytchett’s David Payne also aims for a fruitful spell Down Under.

The 23-year-old, who recently completed his fourth full season as a professional with Gloucestershire, has been sent to work with the Darren Lehmann Academy while playing A-grade cricket for West Torrens during the English off-season.

The tall, left-arm fast bowler made an instant impact on his debut for the academy, returning figures of six for 17 in his opening game against Papua New Guinea in Adelaide.

“It was pleasing to get off to a good start with the academy because you are in a group of new faces and everyone is looking to impress early and prove themselves,” said former Bournemouth star Payne, in an interview with the Daily Echo.

“My main aim is to have a good season leading a young bowling attack in conditions that I am not used to. It is more batter-friendly out here so being even more consistent with your line and length is vital because there is less room for error. Reverse swing comes in to play a lot more as well so it will be a good learning experience.”

As well as impressing with the ball, Payne racked up a score of 82 with the bat for West Torrens recently. Arriving at the crease with his side in trouble at 55 for six, he shared a partnership of 224 with Carl Mickan, hitting seven fours and one six in the process.

On his innings, Payne said: “It wasn’t the prettiest 82 you will ever see by any means, but I suppose that makes me even happier because I had to work hard for it.

“My batting is something I really want to work on out here. I want to contribute with the bat as much as possible to push for a spot as an all-rounder.”

The former Parley paceman is following in the footsteps of England’s Joe Root and Monty Panesar who also represented the academy in previous years. Root was also an England team-mate of Payne’s during the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2010.

The ex-Lytchett Minster schoolboy also holds the record for the best one-day bowling figures in Gloucestershire’s history, taking seven for 29 against Essex, including four wickets in as many balls in 2010.

A year earlier, he was part of the Bournemouth team that won the Cockspur National T20 competition and played in the finals day at Derby.

Payne admits he has been tested physically by the preparation and the extreme heat in Australia but believes his performance will benefit from the intensive strength and endurance work.

He added: “As I see it, the trip can only be good for me for when I return to the county season next year. The training is tough and it is a good standard so I am sure I will come back a better player.”

Despite enjoying travelling the world playing cricket, Payne, who is planning to spend Christmas in Melbourne and watch the famous Boxing Day Test match, said he always looked forward to getting back to Lytchett Matravers.

He added: “I try to get home as much as possible during the county season. It is good to get away from it and have your own time. I always look forward to it because it is where I grew up and it will always be home to me.”