Gloucestershire CCC's Steve Kirby describes playing Twenty20 cricket against Pakistan A in the desert as a "baptism of fire."

On tour with the England Lions in the United Arab Emirates, the Gloucestershire paceman has been charged with the task of taking the new ball.

But the bluff Lancastrian has so far met the challenge head-on, helping England carve out an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, which concludes today in Abu Dhabi.

"Bowling with the new ball in these games is like being put in front of a firing squad," admitted Kirby, who escaped with figures of 1-26 from four overs as the Lions cruised to an eight-wicket success over Pakistan A on Sunday.

"These guys at the top of the order really try to line you up. There are only two fielders allowed outside of the circle in the first six overs and the batsmen are looking to hit you over the top.

"As a new-ball bowler, it's absolutely crucial to bowl as straight as you can and vary your pace to keep them guessing. Give these batsmen any width and they will murder you. It's a bit scary, but I'm loving the challenge and I feel I've done quite well so far."

England's spin bowlers have proved particularly effective in the first two games and Kirby believes Yorkshire tyro Adil Rashid and Kent off-break bowler James Tredwell are capable of making the transition from Lions to full internationals.

He said: "Those two have done really well in the middle overs, taking the pace off the ball, frustrating the batsmen and restricting the run rate."

Kirby has also been impressed with Somerset CCC players Craig Kieswetter and Pete Trego. He said: "Kieswetter looks a class act with the bat and he makes scoring look so easy.

"He chipped in with a very fluent 40 when we were chasing in the second match and he looks like another who can go on and make the step up to the full team."

Kirby is determined to complete a 3-0 series whitewash in Abu Dhabi today and then maintain the winning momentum in a friendly international at the same venue against the senior England team tomorrow.

"We've hit the ground running and are playing some excellent cricket," claimed the Gloucestershire star. "I don't think Pakistan know what has hit them and we'll be looking to press home our advantage in the final game.

"Because we have been playing regularly and playing well, it will be very interesting when we come up against England in midweek. They will have just come off the plane and will still be cold as it were. That's something we'll be looking to take advantage of."