Dalrymple out to impress

Jamie Dalrymple is eager to make an impact in the last Test of the series © Getty Images

Jamie Dalrymple is urging England to use the final Test at Sydney as a springboard for a successful end to the winter.

The Middlesex all-rounder was drafted into the squad from the Academy two weeks ago after Ashley Giles returned home to be with his ill wife, but is yet to make a major contribution.

Dalrymple’s input has been limited to net practices, carrying the drinks and the occasional appearance as substitute fielder.

But, with England considering playing two spinners as they attempt to avoid a 5-0 whitewash, Dalrymple believes an overdue victory could spark a turnaround in their fortunes for the weeks and months ahead.

“There are resilient guys here and they want to go out and win in the Test next week,” said the 25-year-old off-spinner, who is also a member of England’s squad for the Commonwealth Bank one-day tournament featuring Australia and New Zealand which follows the Ashes.

“There are a couple of retirement parties to break up and the team are burning to put down a marker.

“It won’t be forgotten if we put down a performance, batsmen make more runs in this game and bowlers run in and take wickets.

“That won’t be forgotten when it comes around to next time and we’re playing against the Aussies. These are markers you can put down for the next contest.”

Dalrymple may play alongside fellow spinner Monty Panesar in Sydney © Getty Images

Dalrymple, who has been a regular in England’s one-day squad since making his debut in the summer, stressed: “A good Test match in Sydney would also feed into the squad for the one-dayers.

“There is a huge amount of the winter left. The Ashes Test series has been a disappointment but there is a triangular series against two very good sides and if we can play well in that we can look forward to the World Cup.”

England will practice at the SCG - venue for the final Test starting on January 2 - on Sunday morning, when they will assess the pitch and decide whether it is likely that Dalrymple will feature with Monty Panesar.

The last time England named two spinners in their side for a Test in Australia was 1991, when Eddie Hemmings and Phil Tufnell claimed 12 wickets between them in a drawn contest.

“I’m desperate to play,” added Dalrymple. “If I get the chance to play at Sydney it would be superb. It would be great experience playing against a very good side.”