ESSEX bowler Reece Topley believes he is in the best shape of his life ahead of the new season.

The 21-year-old has worked tirelessly during the winter in a bid to bounce back from an injury ravaged 2014 campaign.

And Topley hopes his new found fitness can also help him secure an England call up this summer.

“I feel fitter and stronger than I ever done before,” said Topley, who struggled with back problems last term.

“While I was out from cricket I spent time on other areas to become fitter and hopefully that will come across in my bowling.

“I’ve been in the gym and feel as though I’ve become an athlete.

“Physically I’m now in the best shape I could be in, I’ve worked on my fitness from October up until now and I’ve only really just started to bowl again.

“But my aim is to now perform well for Essex and then hopefully international recognition will come from that. “ Topley has already represented England Lions and England’s under 19 side.

However, he now also feels there could be an opening for him in the senior set up too.

“I’ve obviously seen that England are crying out for a left armer and if I get off to a good start this season then people will be talking about me because English cricket is in a time of change,” said Topley.

“I watched the World Cup and was pretty despondent like most England fans but I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next in English cricket because there are opportunities there to be taken.”

Topley hopes to be able to take the chances coming his way and was also boosted by a visit from former England seamer Darren Gough earlier this week.

But now the left-arm pace bowler wants to take centre stage himself and he firmly believes Essex have what it takes to compete in all competitions this season.

“A top two finish is within our target zone in the County Championship and we will also be aiming to win at least one, one day trophy too,” said Topley.

“We will certainly target the T20 because that’s a competition we’ve always done well in and I’m sure we can do well in all competitions because we have real strength in depth that we haven’t had before.

“But I haven’t really set myself any individual targets, other than not to get injured!”