Shaun Udal believes he could play in next week's second Test despite missing out on England's development squad.
Udal, who took four key wickets in England's series-tying victory over India two months ago, was given the news by selector David Graveney.
"David said if England do consider two spinners at Edgbaston then my name's going to be one at the top of the list.
"I would be extremely disappointed if we picked two spinners and I wasn't the second one," Udal told BBC Sport.
England development squad in full
Udal, 37, is the only man to have played a Test over the last six months to miss out on a place in the 25-man group.
He has slipped a spot down the pecking order behind Monty Panesar, who took two wickets in the drawn first Test with Sri Lanka at Lord's.
"I'm 37 but I feel as though I'm 27 or 28 and as long as I keep performing I will keep pushing my name up the list"
But he believes his ability as a batsman and fielder still make him the ideal replacement with Ashley Giles expected to take until July to recover from a hernia.
"It didn't surprise me - it's a development squad, which means it's something for the future with guys that are going to be playing for England in years to come," he said.
"I was picked six months ago as the nearest thing to Ashley Giles and I'd like to think that hasn't changed.
"Monty is basically just a bowler. He has worked very hard on his fielding and he continues to work hard on his batting.
"But, without being cruel, it's going to be a few years until he will get up the order, bat at number eight and be as accomplished a cricketer as Ashley is."
In four Championship matches so far this year, Udal has eight wickets at an average of 18.62
His Hampshire side last week beat Warwickshire at Edgbaston, where the second Test begins next Thursday.
"When we played there it was extremely dry and turned quite a lot and the Test match wicket we saw looked very dry as well," he said.
"I've played every game for Hampshire this season and proved I can get wickets early season in England as well as overseas.
"I'm 37 but I feel as though I'm 27 or 28 and as long as I keep performing I will keep pushing my name up the list."
The squad for the second Test is to be announced at 0930 BST on Sunday.