WARREN HEGG has been rewarded for his best ever season with a second chance for England - and he's determined to make the most of it.

More than two years after being cruelly dropped despite sharing in a memorable Test victory at Melbourne, Hegg was recalled for the winter tours of India and New Zealand yesterday.

He has been picked with the Essex youngster James Foster as England look to replace Alec Stewart, who has withdrawn from the India tour for personal reasons and been left out, with Darren Gough, for the New Zealand section as well.

"I've never given up hope of playing for England again but Alec had been a permanent fixture," said a delighted Hegg today.

"His decision not to go has changed things for me. I never truly understood why I was dropped after Australia.

"I don't believe I let England down in any way.

"Ok I didn't set the world on fire with runs but I thought I did ok behind the stumps.

"But that's behind me, I've got a second chance and I'm going to take it."

Hegg gave credit to departing Lancashire coach Bob Simpson for the improvement in his batting form which has earned him this trip.

"Bob has sorted out one or two technical things but the main thing is self-belief," added the 33-year-old.

"I go out nowadays feeling I'm going to score runs."

David Graveney, England's chairman of selectors, stressed that Hegg and Foster will start level pegging in the battle to take Stewart's place in the three Tests in India in December.

Foster must have the inside track as he has also been included, alongside Lancashire's Andy Flintoff, in the squad for the one-day series in Zimbabwe next month.

And he is also admired by England's captain Nasser Hussain, who has watched him come through with Essex.

But Hegg added: "India is an amazing country and all I want to do is make sure it will always be a good memory for me."

The third Lancashire player included in the squads announced yesterday was Chris Schofield, who has been selected for Rod Marsh's academy in Australia - where he will work with former Lancashire captain John Abrahams, who has been appointed as Marsh's assistant.

Flintoff had been expected to join him but he has to settle for a place in the one-day squad.