BEN Cox wants to challenge for an England Lions spot after the Worcestershire wicketkeeper batsman admits he messed up his chances of such honours this winter because of a drop in form.

Cox played a full role in the County’s promotion campaign, scoring his maiden first class century and playing several other important innings.

He also earned praise for his performances behind the stumps from former England and current Essex keeper James Foster.

But Cox acknowledges his performances during the finale to 2014 affected his hopes of being part of the Lions squad for the tour to take on South Africa ‘A’ with Kent’s Sam Billings chosen.

Cox, who has been playing club cricket in Australia this winter, said: “Have I got England goals in my mind? Of course. I feel I definitely messed up my chances of a Lions tour last season with my end of season form.

“Sam Billings had an outstanding one-day campaign. When you do something like that, you can’t be ignored.

“At the wrong time, I was failing so all the hard work I did earlier in the year kind of went to nothing.

“In my mind I’ve got to tell myself that Sam is probably not going to average 130 again. Myself and Sam are good mates so it’s more good competition.

Meanwhile, director of cricket Steve Rhodes believes Worcestershire can look forward to some exciting cricket if there is “a shoot-out at the OK Coral” between Cox and fellow wicketkeeper Joe Clarke in the competition for places.

England Under 19 player Clarke finished top of the Second XI batting averages in 2014 and scored the County’s highest ever Second XI Championship score of 222 against MCC Young Cricketers.

He has also been successful Down Under with South Perth CC, scoring 140 out of 215 in his penultimate match for the club.

Rhodes said: “The good thing for Joe is his keeping is coming on as well and some of the work we did at the end of last season, hopefully that has held him in good stead.

“If it means a shootout at the OK Coral for Ben Cox and Joe Clarke, then I’m sure we will see some exciting cricket.

“We want to be a really strong squad and to be a really strong squad, you need competition for places.”