Blackwell harbouring England hopes

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

He has lost 10 kilograms in weight over the winter - his fitness levels have remained a major issue throughout his one Test and 34-match one-day international career - and has shaped up on the field alongside new Durham captain Will Smith.

"This is a new challenge. I wanted to get my name back in lights and play for England again," said Blackwell.

"Perhaps a change of county would test me and force me out of my comfort zone and help me progress with my cricket.

"As soon as I stop thinking I can play for England then I may as well retire.

"In my mind, if you're going to play the game you have to play at the highest level."

All-rounder Blackwell, 30, spoke with national selector Geoff Miller on the evening of the first day of the MCC versus Durham match and was advised of the requirements of an international cricketer.

Weight became an issue this winter when Samit Patel was axed from the England one-day squad for his attitude towards fitness.

"As a guy he would try to do everything he could to get into the England set-up," Blackwell said, of Patel. "If that meant losing two stone then he would probably do it.

"For me it is a little bit more difficult with my lifestyle and the way I have been over the past few years. But I have rectified that a little bit and I do look after myself a little bit better than I have done in the past."