ESSEX vice-captain Tom Westley is eager to reclaim his place in the England squad after being dropped for the Ashes squad.

Westley was not named alongside Essex team-mate Alastair Cook in the party that will travel to Australia for the world-renowned contest, which will get underway in November.

But Westley is determined to break back into England captain Joe Root’s plans.

Westley said: “I’ve said all along that it’s about scoring the runs at any level.

“I haven’t been scoring the runs I would have liked in the second half of the season.

“I started the season quite strong but all I can do is score runs and put my name in contention for some stage in the future.”

Westley, 28, featured in five Test matches against South Africa and the West Indies over the summer.

And Westley was delighted to be given a chance in the England Test side following his form with Essex.

Westley added: “It was a dream come true to play for my country.

“It was strange to an extent because I was away from the Essex team having been here for so many years.

“It was great to win both of those Test series with England.

“And now winning the County Championship, and going unbeaten with Essex, is the icing on top of the cake for me.”