Essex all-rounder Graham Napier said today - "I want a county cap!"
The big-hitting Colchester and East Essex right-armer told the Evening Gazette: "Winning an Essex cap is my major goal this season and I won't be happy until I achieve it."
The stocky 23-year-old crowd-pleaser was speaking after his County Ground team-mate and fellow all-rounder Jon Dakin was awarded his cap before the start of Monday's Essex's day-night triumph over Pakistan.
Essex all-rounder Graham Napier in action against Pakistan
Napier said: "Earning my county cap has been my major aim for a couple of seasons.
"And once I've achieved it I will be looking to step up a level to force my way into the England Acadamy and the international set-up.
"You have to have goals otherwise you can so easily fade out of the picture.
"My immediate targets are my cap; a first century in Championship cricket and 40 Championship wickets."
Napier has, to date, scored 278 runs - (207 Championship, 71 One-Day) - and taken 34 wickets - (15 Championship, 19 One-Day) this season.
"I've learned so much about myself already this summer," said the Colchester police officer's son. "And I feel that I have matured a lot as a genuine all-rounder.
"I'm just loving my cricket."
More on Essex County Cricket Club
Published Wednesday, June 11, 2003
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