Ferguson plans to gain Ashes berth despite World Twenty20 snub

Melbourne, May 10 (ANI): South Australian stroke maker Callum Ferguson has said that his surprise World Twenty20 snub has failed to kill his Ashes dream, and has revealed plans to turn the rejection to his advantage.

Ferguson landed back in Adelaide on Saturday morning from dominant performances against South Africa and Pakistan, full of hope he was part of selectors' plans to defend the Ashes when the five-Test series against England begins in July.

Ferguson, yet to play a Test for Australia, planned to press for a spot in the three-week World Twenty20 and one-day program that follows the Test series, FOX Sports reported.

The right-hander said being left out of Australian squad could strengthen his Ashes bid by opening opportunities with up to two county sides in the coming months.

He said extra time acclimatising to English conditions and being in the country in case of injury to the main Australia squad could improve his chances of a call-up.

"I'm looking into it at the moment. I'm hoping there might be an opportunity to sneak over to England at some stage before the Ashes kicks off. That's something we're looking at. There is a couple of opportunities at some different counties," he said.

"There's a few gaps with players having to go to the Twenty20 World Cup so that's something I'm looking into."

Ferguson was a rare bright light in Australia's mixed one-day performances, scoring 182 runs at 36.4 against South Africa, followed by 94 runs at 47 in the successful tour against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

In 14 one-day innings since his debut in February, Ferguson has impressed with 378 runs at 47.25. (ANI)