England new boy Adam Lyth has spoken of his delight at being called up for next month’s Test tour of the West Indies.

The Yorkshire opener has been rewarded for last summer’s stunning LV= County Championship form, and says making his Test debut in the Caribbean would “rank as probably my biggest achievement in cricket”.

Left-hander Lyth has paid tribute to the support from his family, and he has also backed the White Rose to cope without him and five other England bound team-mates who are unavailable for the first three Championship matches of the new season.

“I was at Richard Pyrah’s Benefit function in Dubai (on Wednesday) when I received the call from chairman of selectors James Whitaker,” he said.

“I was hoping for it, and when it came I was shocked. It still hasn’t sunk in.

“I am very excited, and can’t wait to join the England lads next month.

“I have made many sacrifices to get to this position. I hope that I can now become a Test player in the Caribbean.

“My family are made up. I spoke to my wife Lillian over the phone, and she was very emotional. She knows, along with my mum and dad, how much this means to me.

“I have to thank them for everything they have done for me, and I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for them.

“It will be tough for Yorkshire with six players away and Andrew Gale missing for that first game.

“This is Yorkshire, and we love a challenge.

“We have some solid players coming through who will be given their chance to excel.

“The club will be able to cope with it, and someone could really step up to the plate and cement their place in the side.”