LONDON. Apr 25: Mike Gatting hammered 224 not out for Middlesex on Sunday after England's new chairman of selectors Ray Illingworth said experienced older players may well figure in his Test plans, reports Reuter.

Former England captain Gatting made the most of two escapes on 46 and 146 to haul the county champions out of trouble after they followed on 201 behind the England A team in the season's traditional Lord's curtain-raiser.

Gatting. who batted seven and a quarter hours and struck 35 fours from 361 balls, carried Middlesex to 394 for four declared in their second innings on the fourth and final day and the game was drawn

Illingworth said during the match: "I didn't captain England until 1 was 37. and then played Tests until I was 41. Experience is worth a hell of a lot and more so In cricket than in any other game.’’ ,

Gatting. 37 in June, was dropped during last season's Test series against Australia, but he said on Sunday: Tm always available for England, home or abroad, although at the moment I'm Just concentrating on getting runs for Middlesex.

"I spoke to Illy' briefly at the start of this match and I'm not really concerned about whether rm,in his 50 to watch or not. He's not really got to say anything to me — it's more a case of getting the runs on the board."