Tredwell delighted at England call-up

Former Kent captain James Tredwell has been named in the England one-day and t20 squads to tour Australia in the New Year.

He stepped down from his role as skipper at the end of the season, with his continuing international commitments being the chief factor.

Tredwell will now hope to feature for the national side in January and February, as England take on Australia in five ODIs and three t20 internationals.

The 31-year-old has given his reaction to the Kent website:

How pleasing is this news for you?

I'm delighted. When I didn't make the Test squad, I wondered where the winter might take me but it’s certainly very encouraging. I had been in regular conversation with the ECB and worked with them on fitness-testing etc. so I got the impression that I was still a part of the national team and it was great to earn selection.

How did you find out?

Well I've been up at Loughborough and there was plenty of discussion on how we might prepare for going to Australia so we have worked on a few things, hoping to get the nod. It was in the back of my mind that I would be going but until you get the news you are not fully confident.

What have you been working on at Kent?

I've been working on my bowling with Min (Patel) and on my batting and general game with Jimmy (Adams). I've also been in the gym with Nimmo Reid (Club Physio) and Pete Kelly (Strength & Conditioning Coach). I've just been staying fit and keeping myself nice and busy. It's important to keep your fitness levels high because it will be hot over in Australia – something I'm really looking forward to with the weather we've got here at the moment!

How exciting is it to go back to Australia?

I always enjoy it in Australia. As a cricketer, it’s one of your favourite tours. I've been fortunate to have been involved in a few cricketing trips to Australia and it’s great to be involved again. It’s a huge honour to be selected as one of the best 15 or 16 cricketers, in England, in the shorter format (of the game). It makes me massively proud and I hope to play my part in a successful tour.

Does it help that you've got experience of playing in Australia?

Yes, I think so. I guess I'm fortunate to have already played a fair bit over there. I spent three seasons as a youngster and have had further trips since with various national teams. The Aussies are hugely passionate about their sport – not just cricket – so it will be an interesting time for us all.

When do you leave for Australia?

We head out early next month so we should be able to catch the back end of the fourth Test and then the final Test too. I hope the series is still alive at that point with England needing a win or draw. That really would end the Test tour on a high for the group.

Finally, you gave up the Kent captaincy, because of your international commitments, so I guess this proves it was the right decision?

Well that was the reasoning behind it. I was very proud when I took the captaincy on and it was gut-wrenching to give it up. I just felt it was the right decision to make at the time. I wanted to do what was best for Kent Cricket. This call-up means I'm going to be involved (with the national team) over the coming months and, if I put in some performances, then hopefully it will continue. If that does happen then it could hamper my involvement at Kent so I think it’s the best decision. I wish Rob the best of luck back in the role and hope to play my part throughout the season.

England ODI squad

Alastair Cook (Essex) (Captain)

Gary Ballance (Yorkshire)

Ian Bell (Warwickshire)

Ravi Bopara (Essex)

Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire)

Danny Briggs (Hampshire)

Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)

Jos Buttler (Lancashire)

Michael Carberry (Hampshire)

Steven Finn (Middlesex)

Chris Jordan (Sussex)

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex)

Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire)

Joe Root (Yorkshire)

Ben Stokes (Durham)

James Tredwell (Kent)

England T20 squad

Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire) (Captain)

Ravi Bopara (Essex)

Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire)

Danny Briggs (Hampshire)

Jos Buttler (Lancashire)

Jade Dernbach (Surrey)

Steven Finn (Middlesex)

Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire)

Michael Lumb (Nottinghamshire)

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex)

Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire)

Joe Root (Yorkshire)

Ben Stokes (Durham)

James Tredwell (Kent)

Luke Wright (Sussex)