GRAHAM Napier’s big chance has arrived.

The Essex star has been called up to the England Lions tour of New Zealand, where he is set to play in two one-day games and a Twenty20 clash with New Zealand A on March 13.

It is the perfect opportunity for the Colchester all-rounder to impress the selectors and increase the chance of a first England cap in the future.

He told www.grahamnapier.com: “It’s been a long wait to go on my second England Lions tour, having gone to Malaysia and India in 2004.

“Not many players would get a second opportunity at this stage in their career but I think the whole reason I have got to this point again has been that I’ve not given England much thought over the last couple of years.

“Perhaps the thought of wanting to break into the full England side began to distract me a few years back so I decided to just relax and have fun in the middle.

“It’s got me back to this point so now it’s up to me to make the most of this second chance.

“This call-up has capped a good (New Zealand) summer for me and gives me an opportunity to show my stuff for England in the one-day and Twenty20 format during the build-up to a busy summer.”

Napier has been rewarded for a fine 2008 season with Essex, in which he played a key role in the club’s Friends Provident Trophy success and their promotion from Natwest Pro40 division two.

He made a name for himself across the world when he struck 16 sixes in an innings of 152 against Sussex in the Twenty20.

He has been in excellent form while wintering in New Zealand, where he has topped the Most Vaulable Player table, having taken plenty of wickets for Wellington Firebirds in State cricket.

National selector Geoff Miller said: “The selectors felt this was a good opportunity for us to have a closer look at him within the England set-up.”

Napier said he hopes to take the new ball for the Lions — as he has done successfully for the past year with Essex — but he realises he may have to settle for a lesser role.

He said: “Although I have gained more media attention in England with my batting it has been my form with the ball that has contributed most to this call-up.

“Opening the bowling and taking wickets with the new ball is something I’ve done on a consistent basis over the last year.

“I’d love to get the chance to continue that role with the Lions but I know there are already some established bowlers in the squad so anywhere will suit me.”