FORMER Somerset batsman Nick Compton is determined to capitalise on his second-coming as an international cricketer, after being recalled to the England Test squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa.

The Middlesex batsman, who scored two centuries in nine Tests before being dropped in 2013, returns to the squad after a 30-month absence, while Ian Bell has been left out of the 16-man touring party – and Compton says he will ‘give everything’ to establish himself in the England top-order.

The 32-year-old told Middlesex CCC’s official website: “I’m obviously pleased.

"I have refused to give up on my long-term dream to be a successful Test cricketer.

“I think everybody who knows me understands how challenging I found the past couple of years, but I refused to give up hope and was determined to keep making runs to merit inclusion.

“It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work to get back into the England squad.

“But now I’ve got another challenge. I’m out there to do a tough job, and I will give everything of myself to be a valuable asset to England's top order.

“I’m really focused on preparing well in order to do the best job I possibly can.

“I knew I was under consideration, but the way things have panned out for the last couple of years I’ve probably erred on the side of caution in terms of managing expectations.

“I was hopeful and I was also prepared for the worst - that’s why it feels so great to have been given this new opportunity.”

England arrive in South Africa on December 11 and play two three-day warm-up matches before the first Test begins in Durban on Boxing Day.

The second Test takes place in Cape Town from January 2, with the final two matches being held in Johannesburg (January 14-18) and Centurion (January 22-26).