KIDDERMINSTER cricket star Steve Davies has been tipped to shine for England’s Ashes squad, by the two men who have witnessed his rise from the start.

Father Mike Davies and coach Rob Wood have supported the wicketkeeper on his journey from a gifted youngster at Victoria Carpets CC to his national team call-up.

The 24-year-old has been picked as back-up to Matt Prior for the tour in Australia, after a fine season with county side Surrey and an impressive display for England in their 3-2 one-day series win over Pakistan.

The former Kidderminster Victoria batsmen looked to be on the fringes of England in all forms of the game last year, with Craig Kieswetter’s excellent form putting him in the driving seat.

But Davies impressed selectors this month against Pakistan with some stirring displays with glove and bat.

He hit 87 runs in the first match to guide England to victory at Chester-le-Street, before continuing to cement his place in the side with a series of mature performances.

“It’s great to see all of Steve’s hard work pay off,” commented his father.

“He’s been on the fringes of the squad for a while but he always had the attitude that he can’t pick the team, so all he can do is play well and get the selectors’ attention.

“He knows Matt Prior is England’s first choice but all he can do is show what he’s capable of and take his chances when they come.

“He won’t let anyone down if he’s picked, this is something he has been working towards all of his life.

“If you ask any England cricketer what tour they want to play on it’s the Ashes. I don’t think else anything quite compares to it.”

Davies will be hoping for a chance to impress in tour games in order to try and force his way into the side and make his test debut in Brisbane on Thursday, November 25.

Wood was a coach for the county when he first came across Davies as a six-year-old and was taken back by his talent.

He said: “The first time I saw Steve he was six-years-old. The batsman missed the ball and he took it so quickly you knew he was something special.

“He was small for his age so he didn’t have the power with the bat but he learned how to place the ball.

“He’s always had tremendous mental strength and a willingness to work hard.

“I can’t take any credit for his development or success, I was lucky enough to be around when he came on the scene.”