Last year, with his cricket career petering out, English opener Michael Carberry took up a job as a sparky.

Now, the 33-year-old is eyeing off a dream Ashes call-up after making a bright start to England’s tour of Australia.

Carberry cracked 12 boundaries on the way to a solid 78 in England’s three-day match against the WACA Chairman’s XI in Perth.

The left-hander normally bats at the top of the order.

But with England still mulling over who to play at No.6 during the Ashes, Carberry has put his hand up for a middle order berth.

His sole appearance for England came back in 2010, when he made scores of 30 and 34 in an easy win over Bangladesh.

His career looked to be over when he suffered blood clots on his lung later that year.

Although he bounced back from that, a return to the international arena appeared unlikely.

After three years on the outer at international level, Carberry took up a job as an electrician.

But his international career received a spark last month when he made his ODI debut for England.

Carberry admits he was surprised when he was included in the 17-man squad for the return series in Australia.

But now that he’s got the chance, he wants to make the most of it.

“I don’t see myself as a reserve anything,” said Carberry, who’ll have to beat out the likes of Gary Ballance and Ben Stokes for a spot in the middle order.

“I have come out here with a mentality to play and that’s the right mentality to come out with.

“It’s been a long three years to get back to play Test cricket and a lot of hard work and grafting has gone into it.

“I’ve made first-class hundreds batting at five and six over my career, so I don’t see that being a hindrance.

“I’m here (in Australia) because I’m a good player.

“It’s been recognised by the management.

“It’s down to me now to show that.”

England might have had an ulterior motive for getting Carberry out on the tour.

“There’s a bit of pressure on me now if anything electrically goes wrong in the dressing room,” he said with a laugh.