IF you have sent Matthew Fisher a congratulations message following his England Test call-up and he hasn’t yet responded, do not fear. He’s had quite a few, writes Graham Hardcastle.

The Sheriff Hutton Bridge product was last week picked in the tour party for next month’s three-match series in the West Indies and guesstimates with a laugh when quizzed about his avalanche of messages: “I’d say, across all the platforms - Texts, WhatsApp, Facebook, it’s around 500.

“My WhatsApp was just ridiculous.

“I find it hard to just say thanks to someone. So I ask how they are. Family friends would be getting in touch, and I’d be like, ‘How’s the family?’ Then other messages come through.

“I’ve been catching up with everyone as well as saying thanks. It’s been crazy, but it’s all nice.

“I really appreciate everyone getting in touch. It’s only right that I message back, but I still haven’t got round to everyone yet.”

Never mind the rigours of Test cricket, replying to those messages alone sounds like it could warrant rest and rotation.

“I do feel like, at some point, I just need to take stock and try and have a couple of days at home doing nothing so that I feel fresh going out to the West Indies,” added the Yorkshire bowler.

“Myself and Tasha (his partner) have been out for food a couple of times, celebrating with family.

“Also I’ve had to fit in some intense training, getting my bowling workloads up.

“But I wouldn’t change it for anything.

“It’s what I’ve worked for since I was seven, when I started playing and fell in love with the game. To get picked for England in Test cricket is all I’ve ever wanted.

“Hopefully I might get a chance out there to get my first England cap, which is something no one can ever take away from me. It’s incredibly exciting.”