Andy Carter set to work with Test legend Allan Donald

England prospect Andy Carter admits he is still coming to terms with his rapid ascent in the game as he prepares to join up with the national performance squad in South Africa.

Just two and half years ago, a then 18-year-old Carter was making his Minor Counties debut for Lincolnshire against Norfolk.

Tomorrow, he will fly to Pretoria for a three-week training camp where he will receive coaching from, among others, fast bowling great Allan Donald.

Carter, from Bardney, is one of 22 players who have been selected for category C of the England Performance Programme – for young players with limited first-class experience.

The 21-year-old earned the call-up following a stunning season for Nottinghamshire, which saw him break several second XI records before graduating to the first team at Trent Bridge, where he again impressed.

"When I first heard about the call-up, it was a shock," admitted the former Bracebridge Heath and Lindum paceman (pictured above).

"I only played my first Minor Counties game a couple of years ago. I've got a lot less cricket under my belt than the other lads on the programme as I've been a late developer, so I feel very lucky to have been selected.

"It's been an amazing year. After some injury problems, I was set the target of playing every game I could.

"I've only missed one game, and that was a pre-season game, so it's gone really well.

"I didn't think I was going to get my chance in the first team, but I did towards the end of the season.

"And now I've been called up to go to South Africa. I'm going to give it my best shot."

Carter will spend 10 days honing his technique with a red cricket ball and 10 days with the white ball, which is used in the limited overs game.

During that time he will work with 72-Test legend Donald and England fast bowling coach Kevin Shine.

"My understanding is that the training camp will involve a mixture of fitness work and further skills development with some competitive cricket thrown in," explained the 6ft 7in paceman.

"It will be amazing working with Allan Donald. He was someone I watched as I was growing up and I remember that famous spell he had against Mike Atherton at Trent Bridge (see picture left)."