KENT paceman Martin Saggers was ‘stunned’ to receive to call-up from England as cover for the Test team to take on New Zealand in Leeds tomorrow.

The 32-year-old Norfolk-born bowler was pulled out of Kent’s squad to play Lancashire in Tunbridge Wells today and trekked off toward Headingley this morning to replace Lancashire’s James Anderson, who withdrew from the squad with a bruised foot.

In explaining how he heard the news, Saggers said: “I’d just finished my round of golf in Min Patel’s benefit day on Tuesday and checked my telephone to find I’d got loads of messages, one of which was from chairman of selectors David Graveney.

“I was absolutely stunned and wasn’t expecting the call at all because if there was to be an injury I’d have expected the likes of James Kirtley, Richard Johnson or Andy Caddick to get the shout ahead of me.

“So I was pleasantly surprised to say the least.”

Saggers concedes he is unlikely to make the starting 11 for the second Test, believing Durham’s Paul Collingwood will get the nod, but the fact that he remains in the Test frame comes as an unexpected confidence booster.

“I put myself under real pressure to get into the England squad last season and ended up feeling tense for long periods of the summer and not bowling to my usual standards,” he added.

“But this year the pressure’s off my shoulders and I’ve just been trying to do my best for Kent and take it from there.

“Of course I had my fears that I may become a one-cap wonder but ultimately that’s out of my hands.”

With 300 first-class wickets at an average of 22 Saggers is worthy of the call-up ahead of Kirtley, Johnson and Caddick who, despite having taken more career-wickets, remain injury-prone and ultimately more expensive than Saggers.

Ironically, Kirtley went through the same scenario at Tunbridge Wells last season and returned 24 hours into the game to re-take his place in the Sussex side.

It is an abortive 600-mile round trip Saggers also seems likely to make.

“Chances are I will be back at The Nevill by Thursday,” added Saggers.

“Whatever, I’ll do my best and who knows the nominated player may work in Kent’s favour this time around.”

Surprisingly Kent skipper David Fulton nominated Pakistan paceman Mohammad Sami as Saggers’ nominated replacement for the start of Kent’s four-day clash with Lancashire.

Sami, who has been struggling with a bruised knee for the last week, took a late fitness test ahead of the game and was passed fit to play what may yet be a minor role in the game.

Rob Ferley also missed the game for Kent having fractured his right knuckle against Surrey last week.

Fulton went on to win the toss and elected to bat first against a Lancashire side who were without the services of Andrew Flintoff on England duty, James Anderson (foot), Peter Martin (knee), Carl Hooper (fractured thumb).