England pace bowler Sajid Mahmood is confident he can be part of the side's Ashes campaign in Australia, starting next month.
While England has disappointed at the Champions Trophy in its losses to India and Australia, Mahmood has been one of the side's better performers.
"I've improved as a bowler throughout the summer and I'm starting to show the improvements.
"I've worked on consistency, there was a problem with that at the beginning of the season, and it's getting better," he told BBC Sport.
While his ODI performances have proven costly, and contributed to his inability to hold a place, his Test efforts have been better.
"You have to keep working, trying to hit certain areas to different batsmen and, as you keep doing that, you keep improving," he said.
"It was a big learning curve for me coming out here to India six months ago.
"It didn't go too well for me but it's about the way you take the criticism.
"I've taken it pretty well and the last couple of games I've been pretty happy with myself.
"My confidence is pretty high. My rhythm's good, my pace is good and I'm getting the ball to shape so I'm pretty happy with myself so far."
Mahmood acknowledged the pressure is on to gain a Test starting place for the opener to the Ashes in Brisbane on November 23.
"There's a lot of competition, with Jimmy Anderson coming back after injury and Liam Plunkett will be out there as well.
"So it's a pretty strong seam attack but if I can keep improving and keep doing well I should be playing," he said.
