SAM Robson sent a pre-season message to England’s selectors as Hampshire toiled on the first day of a two-day friendly with Middlesex at The Ageas Bowl today.

Born and raised in Australia, Robson is now English qualified and has been widely tipped to make his Test debut this summer.

The man he could well replace, Michael Carberry, was one of the Hampshire players who could only watch on as Robson hit 107 in Middlesex’s 377-5 total.

Robson, who earlier this year hit 142 and 147 for England Lions in two games against Sri Lanka A, retired with Middlesex 200-1.

David Malan was out for 99, leg before to Liam Dawson, and Neil Dexter made 91 before Ruel Braithwaite had him caught by James Vince.

Carberry had started the day in the news by criticising the England camp for a lack of communication in an interview with a national newspaper.

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/cricket/hampshire_cricket/11116358.Carberry__I_ve_always_had_a_shorter_rope_playing_for_England/?ref=mac

The man who was ever present at the top of the order when England were humiliated in the Ashes during the winter was subsequently left out of both the ODI and t20 squads.

He is expected to get a chance today to take his frustrations out on Middlesex ahead of this Sunday’s Championship opener against Worcestershire at The Ageas Bowl.