Sydney, Feb.3 : An Australian is in line to become England's next Test wicketkeeper.

According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, Tim Ambrose, a 25-year-old New South Wales native, has been named as Test 'keeper for England's tour of New Zealand.

Possibly standing in his way, however, is Phil Mustard, who is already in New Zealand for the shorter versions of the game.

The England team management have reportedly suggested that if Mustard shines in the Twenty20 and one-day internationals, he might force his way into the team for the five-day format.

"I kept wicket for New South Wales from under-13s to under-17s and did pretty well, but to be honest, I wouldn't have made it into state cricket," Ambrose told The Times.

"I made the decision at 17 to go to England. It was not purely a cricketing decision, but a lifestyle one too, but sport was what I wanted to do. School wasn't for me," he added.

Possibly working in Ambrose's favour for the England post is the fact coach Peter Moores was in charge at Sussex during the gloveman's first five seasons as a professional.

Also, new selector Ashley Giles is head coach at Warwickshire, where Ambrose has played since 2006.

ANI