PAT Brown says he will relish the challenges of stepping up to a higher level when he flies out with England on Monday for the T20Is in New Zealand.

The Worcestershire paceman has been selected as part of the squad for the five matches against the Black Caps.

Brown heard the news of his call-up via a phone call from national selector Ed Smith during a rare venture onto a golf course.

The euphoria and excitement of his first international call-up may have affected Brown’s performance for the rest of the round.

But the 21-year-old hopes to be fully in the swing with the ball in two warm-up games in New Zealand and if selected to play a part in the T20I Series from November 1 to 10.

“It was not the call you expect, and certainly not a call you get every day,” Brown said.

“I was very shocked and very proud to get that call.

“Ed rang me while I was actually playing golf – and I never play golf!

“After the call, I lost about eight balls. I wasn’t really focusing too much on golf!”

Brown’s first call after receiving the news was to his parents who played a large role in his early development in transporting him backwards and forwards from Lincolnshire to Malvern College and Blackfinch New Road.

He said: “I rang my mum and dad straight away and they couldn’t believe it.

“They thought I was taking the mickey. It was one of the strangest calls I’ve ever had to them. It was really surreal and my dad was tearful.

“It was nice for me to get selected – but to know what it means to them makes it even more special.

“It brought back memories of the drives from Lincolnshire and the hours they gave up to help me.

“I think the commitment I showed and they showed has more than paid off since then and that call was just the icing on the cake and made it all worth it.”

Brown admits his performance on Blast finals day may have been a factor in him getting the nod for the England squad.

“Maybe the bigger occasion brought the best out of me again and I managed to bowl well in both games," he said.

“I’d had a pretty good two years so maybe finals day this year took me over the edge to get selected if they weren’t sure.

“It’s a five-game series and I hope I get given at least one chance. It would be an incredible feeling should it happens.

“I’m looking forward to it and will try and take it in my stride like I normally do.”

“To play against better players on different pitches will be a challenge but one I’m looking forward to and hoping I will revel in.”