TYMAL Mills insists he is not thinking beyond securing success for Essex this season.

The 21-year-old fast bowler, who helped his side start the county championship campaign with a 53 run against Derbyshire yesterday, is being hotly tipped for an England call up this summer.

But Mills is ignoring the speculation and is instead making sure he continues to impress for Paul Grayson’s side.

“I haven’t really done as well as I would’ve liked for Essex in the last couple of seasons and I want that to change this year,” said Mills.

“I want to play well and take lots of wickets to help the team pick up good results.

“I’m really happy to have started the season in the team and now I want to try and make it as difficult as I can for me to be left out again.

“That’s all I’m really thinking about at the moment but it’s a big year for me and this is a good way to start.”

Mills took one wicket for 22 runs during Derbyshire’s first innings at Chelmsford before taking 3-49 in the second.

His victims included two of the visitors’ opening three batsmen, Billy Godleman and Wayne Madsen.

And Mills was thrilled to start the new campaign with a win which earned Essex 19 points.

“It’s great to have got a win in our first game, especially when you consider where we were on the first day,” said the youngster, whose side were bowled out for 94 in their first innings.

“Fozzy (captain, James Foster) spoke to us and told us to dig deep and that’s exactly what we did to get the result we wanted so we’re all really pleased.

“I didn’t go for too many runs in the first innings and I was happy to pick up three wickets in the second so hopefully we can keep this going now and enjoy a good season.”

Mills’ next chance to impress will come against Surrey in another county championship clash with starts at the Kia Oval on Sunday.