SOMERSET spinner Jack Leach believes his call-up to the England Test squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand is a "challenge I'm ready to take on."

The 26-year-old Taunton-born bowler has been called into the squad in place of the injured Mason Crane following a successful past two seasons in which he has taken more Division One wickets in the County Championship than anyone else.

Speaking to the County Gazette after his call-up today (Friday), Leach said: "It's been a bit of a crazy time - I was having dinner with the [Somerset] lads last night down in Trevose in Cornwall, where we've been having a few days away playing golf, and I had a missed call from [England selector] James Whitaker.

"When I called him back he told me I was being called out to New Zealand with the senior squad and I was obviously really excited to hear that.

"I spoke to Sarge [Andy Hurry] and Jason Kerr and then announced it to the boys, which was a really special moment - it was great to be with them when I found out.

"It is a real honour to receive the call - I haven't had a feeling like that in a while. It's a challenge I'm ready for and one which I think will take my game to another level."

Leach goes into the tour in good form, having topped the bowling charts for the England Lions in their recent three-match series and broken a record in the process.

"I'm really excited to get going and my game is in a good place at the moment," he said.

"It came out well in the West Indies and I've taken a lot of confidence from that."

Leach, who bowled at the England senior squad in the nets at Edgbaston over the summer and played for the national Under-15s with Joe Root, went on to describe how he thinks the pitches in New Zealand may suit him.

"It will be very different to what I've just bowled on in the Caribbean, but pitches in New Zealand are often similar to English conditions so I feel I can be effective."

The call-up is just reward for Leach, who endured a tough winter last year as he worked on remodelling his action after routine tests found a kink.

"Everyone has their journey and we all have our ups and downs," Leach said.

"Coming through tough times makes you stronger and better, and I'm delighted to have done that.

"The support I've had from Somerset fans means the world to me.

"I feel I have a loyal set of supporters and they've been there through thick and thin, which really does make a difference and motivates me to succeed - I'll be doing my best to make them proud in New Zealand."