Kent's Joe Denly has been named in the 15-man England squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa next month.

The Kent opener has also been called up for the NatWest Series one-day series and Twenty20 matches against Australia, as well as a 14-man squad for next week’s one-day international against Ireland in Belfast.

Denly is the only uncapped player in the squads and ECB national selector Geoff Miller said: "We have kept faith with the bulk of the squad which was successful in the NatWest Series against West Indies earlier this summer and also included two players, Luke Wright and Adil Rashid, who were part of our squad for the ICC World T20.

"Joe Denly has impressed the selectors for a while with some excellent performances in one-day cricket and with Kevin Pietersen unavailable through injury, this is an excellent opportunity for Joe to step up to the next level and show what he is capable of."

Denly, who averaged 51.85 in the Friends Provident Trophy this season, was happy to be in the revised Champions Trophy squad.

He said: "When the 30-man group was initially announced, I knew it would be tough for me because there were some quality players in there but I've kept performing for Kent and have now been given my chance by England.

"It is a dream come true for me. As a youngster, I dreamt about representing Kent and now I have the honour of hopefully playing for my country.

"I've always had ambitions of playing for England, whether it be at one-day or Test match level. I feel very proud and hope to forge a long international career.

"I won't look to change too much. I'm confident that I've got the game to step up to the next level and I cannot wait to represent England.

"I've played for the Lions but stepping up into the main side is great for me. I did pretty well against the Aussies for the Lions and will hope to carry that on for the rest of the summer.

"Hopefully I will get a go in a few of the one-dayers and Twenty20 matches and you never know where that will lead. If I continue my form in the LV County Championship then hopefully they will consider me, for Test match cricket too, although I realise that could be a while off as there are a few players ahead of me.

"I just need to keep performing for Kent and now hopefully for England too. I cannot wait to link-up with the group."

Kent skipper Rob Key was also named in the provisional 30-man group for the Champions Trophy but did not make the final squad.