HAMISH Marshall will not forget the amazing Royal London One-Day Cup semi-final at a sun-kissed Headingley in a hurry.

The 37-year-old played a brilliant supporting role to captain Michael Klinger as the pair guided Gloucestershire to an eight-wicket victory over Yorkshire to reach Lord’s against the odds.

They went on to win the cup and record their first major title success in 11 years.

Now, as Gloucestershire begin the new season, Marshall, who hit an unbeaten 78 to support Klinger’s 137 not out in that semi, says they will not be defending the title this season but rather “winning it again”.

And the New Zealander thinks some of the young guns at the county are closing in on national honours if they can keep their form consistent.

The Kiwi, who enjoyed a benefit season last year, was back at the crease this week as Gloucestershire opened their County Championship Division Two season at Chelmsford against Essex.

But, while Australian Klinger was the man of the season last year – causing many to wonder why he has never received a full cap in either the red ball or white ball competitions – the junior players in the squad chipped in as support crew, proving it was not just a one-man show.

Marshall said: “I think that semi-final was an amazing day for this group of lads. Just to know, against a very good side, that we were capable of beating them and beating them fairly convincingly was great. Michael played an outstanding hand and I was able to help.

“From my point of view, the two most senior players in the team were able to step up and then you see in the final it was the younger players, with Jack Taylor’s batting and Rodders (Gareth Roderick) doing well.

“Then with the ball, it was the younger guys with Jack, James Fuller, David Payne and Tom Smith who all stepped up.

“We know we are the holders but, as opposed to defending it, we are looking to win it again. There will be a bit of luck along the way. Last year, we got ourselves into positions to win games and hopefully we can continue that this year.”

Continue in that form and Marshall thinks some of the players have every chance of catching the eye of the England selectors.

He said: “There are some guys here who have already had some really good years with us. David Payne was outstanding last year and different players showed snippets of what they can do. It is just about being consistent for a couple of seasons and then you get on the radar.

“Talent-wise, they are there. It is just about putting in the performances more regularly.

“Guys who get to that level are just consistently banging out runs or bowling well. There are guys who will do that in this group. Gareth Roderick is capable of being a quality player, Craig Miles is knocking on the door and, as I mentioned, David Payne.

“Some people can be pushed through and for others, they (the England selectors) know they will be ready at some stage when that time comes. They have played a lot of cricket now and the experience is there. It would be good to see some of them pushing for those honours.”