Alex Gidman reckons "questions will have to be asked" if Gloucestershire team-mate Steve Kirby is not selected to tour South Africa with the England Lions this winter.

Gloucestershire's 31-year-old new ball spearhead claimed 61 first-class victims at an average of 22.18 last season, more than any other seamer in county cricket.

And Gidman claims it will be a travesty if Kirby is not included when the selectors meet to pick their squad early next month.

He said: "I really hope for Steve's sake that he makes the final cut. In my opinion, I genuinely feel he is among the top five or six seam bowlers in the country, if not the top two or three.

"His record last season speaks for itself and some serious questions will have to be asked if Steve is not picked.

"I'm surprised he has not already been selected for an overseas winter tour, because he deserves to be.

"Steve stayed fit and bowled consistently well throughout the 2009 season and has been knocking on the door of England selection for some time.

"We are all keeping our fingers crossed for him."

Kirby was not named in a provisional squad which included A, B and C categories covering players on the verge of Test selection, reserves and young cricketers with limited first class experience. Team-mates Ian Saxelby and Vikram Bannerjee were but Gidman remains hopeful that Kirby's form will be recognised.

He said: "I know Steve has had chats with Geoff Miller (England selector) and has been told he is in their thoughts, but nothing is certain in this world.

"Near misses have been the story of his career, but that has to change after the season he has just had."

Jon Lewis was the last Gloucestershire cricketer to play for England in 2007, since when Kirby and Gidman have been involved only fleetingly with the Lions.

"I don't think we can have too many complaints," conceded Gidman.

"It's not a case of the selectors overlooking Gloucestershire players, because none of us has really done enough to stake a claim.

"I have not pushed on like I had hoped to and none of the others have threatened to follow in Jon's footsteps.

"But that has all changed with Steve Kirby. If anyone deserves a chance to tour this winter, then he does."

Gidman will finally enter hospital tomorrow to undergo surgery on his troublesome ankle. He was due to go under the knife last month, but had to delay after becoming ill.

He said: "By the time I recovered, the surgeon was on holiday and everything had to be put back.

"I'm glad it is finally happening because, the sooner I get it over with, the sooner I can start getting in shape for next season."