England batsman Nick Compton is looking forward to the Test series against New Zealand next month, and is confident of doing well, but thinks it will be a tougher challenge than people are anticipating.

Compton was prolific for Somerset last season, scoring nearly 1200 runs, and made his debut for the Three Lions against India. He did well, though not spectacularly, but is hoping this tour will allow him to prove himself.

Compton told the Western Morning News: "I think it will be quite tough playing in the conditions in New Zealand but, if I can play anything like I did last summer, then hopefully I can get a couple of good scores and cement my place in the side.

"It's quite clear that this is a big series for me and I'm not looking any further than the games against New Zealand. I'm taking it one game at a time and not looking ahead to the rest of the year."

The 29-year-old continued: "It feels great to be playing Test match cricket, and I guess it's a bit like a dream come true for me. It really is something that I've worked very hard towards, even though at time is felt like it was a million miles away.

"However, in the last couple of years it has felt more tangible, and it is something that I have worked really hard for.

"It's a huge honour and that moment when I received my England cap from Graham Gooch is something that I will never forget. It's the proudest moment of my cricketing career, without doubt."

The first Test starts on 6 March in Dunedin.