Former Lavington all-rounder Ross Pawson given the nod for NSW

After almost five years playing grade cricket in Sydney, the former Lavington all-rounder has earned his first NSW call-up.

Pawson is hopeful of getting the new ball against the England Lions in Sunday's one-day tour game at Sydney's Drummoyne Oval.

He started his grade cricket career with Northern Districts in 2015, the former club of fellow Albury product Dominic Thornely.

Pawson has taken 18 wickets this summer as an opening bowler, including the scalp of NSW skipper and former Australian wicketkeeper Peter Nevill last week.

He also scored a century against Mosman after coming in as a nightwatchman.

Pawson was over the moon when he received the call from selectors on Tuesday.

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"It was a bit unexpected, but I'll take it," he said.

"I've been up in Sydney playing cricket for close to five years now, obviously with the goal of trying to crack into the next level.

"It's been something I've been working on for quite a long time and it's nice to be able to have a crack.

"I've been close with the (ACT) Comets side recently and they had a game this week, but I got a call that I was going to be playing that (for NSW) instead."

Pawson has his fingers crossed he won't be denied the opportunity to shine on the big stage with rain predicted throughout the weekend.

"The weather in Sydney has been absolutely horrendous and it's going to be horrendous for the next few days, so our chances are pretty slim," he admitted.

"If we're on, even if it's a reduced over game, it should still be a bit of fun and a good opportunity."

Pawson said he still keeps in regular contact with former teammates at Lavington.

He works at Knox Grammar School with former New Zealand Test player Ian Butler, a friend and ex-teammate of Panthers coach Daryl Tuffey.

Pawson came through the Murray Cricket Council and Riverina pathways and was a student at Murray High School and Lavington Public School.