Luke Wright aims to impress England selectors with his stint in IPL

London, Mar 9(ANI): England all rounder Luke Wright is hoping to impress selectors for a spot in England's World Twenty20 squad after signing for the Indian Premier League franchise Pune Warriors on Thursday.

Wright, who netted a 250,000-pound deal for next two years with the Pune based IPL franchise, hasn't played for his country since June last year.

But after smashing a 44-ball century for Australian side Melbourne Stars over the winter, Wright is optimistic about making an impression on England selectors before the team's World Twenty20 defence in Sri Lanka this September.

"This is a great chance to try and force my way back into England's Twenty20 plans after getting injured at the back end of last summer," The Sun quoted Wright, as saying.I played in the Big Bash and got the fastest ever hundred in that competition - that and this spell in the IPL can only help my chances," he said.

Wright and England Twenty20 captain Stuart Broad have been great pals since their time together as juniors in Leicestershire, and he believes, he won't take any advantage of their friendship, if he is not picked up in the squad.

But Wright also made it clear that he would be consistently pestering Broad if he performs well in the IPL.

"When Broady got the captaincy, we talked about it. We will stay friends and cricket will not get in the way of that if I don't get picked. But if I do well in the IPL, rest assured I'll keep badgering him," he added. (ANI)