Tredwell back in the Kent fold

Off-spinner James Tredwell returns to action in Kent colours this week after his recent excursions with the England one-day side.

The 30 year-old slow bowler replaced first choice Graeme Swann for the final ODI against Australia at Old Trafford last week and played a starring role as the Three Lions secured a thumping 4-0 series win over their old foes.

Tredwell turned the ball prodigiously in his sixth limited-overs appearance for his country; and claimed the wickets of the dangerous David Warner and Matthew Wade on his way to fine figures of 2-23. Alastair Cook's men went on to win the game by seven wickets and Tredwell was delighted to play his part.

What was your latest England experience like?

It was very enjoyable. I didn’t get a go up at Durham but I was pleased to play at Old Trafford and felt that I took my chance.

Did you expect to make such an impact?

Playing at Old Trafford in the last couple of seasons, the wicket has had a bit of turn so I did fancy that it might offer a little bit. I was pleased that I started bowling at a left-hander and got off to a great start. The first over went well and it was pleasing to get a wicket. It gave me great confidence and I was able to carry it on through my spell. There was a bit of turn in the wicket and I used it in my favour.

Tredwell also showed excellent awareness in the field to run-out Paul Forrest for just one when, off his own bowling and with one-hand, he relayed a throw by Samit Patel onto the stumps to execute the dismissal. The Kent man was happy with his work and explained how his method was successful in seeing off Forrest.

You were also involved in a run-out (along with Samit). Was that pleasing?

Yes, of course. It is something that we have been working on – not just with England but at Kent too. The new consensus in professional cricket is to stand in front of the stumps to take the ball as you can take an extra frame out. I wasn’t too sure where the stumps were but it worked out nicely.

Do you think you are better standing in front or behind the stumps then?

Standing in front of the stumps is certainly better as you can take the ball with momentum and go onto the stumps. If you stand behind and take it, and then go back to it, then it takes that crucial extra second. You obviously need to communicate with the fielders because if a direct hit comes in then you need to quickly move out of the way. However, if you do need to take the bails off then it does save that crucial fraction of a second.

Since making his ODI debut against Bangladesh on 2010, Tredwell has been restricted to only a handful of appearances for England. The wickets were his first on home soil and takes his ODI tally to six after he returned 4-48 against West Indies in the World Cup last year. Tredwell. despite limited chances, now feels at home at this level and is hoping for further opportunities.

How pleasing was it to take your first international wickets in England?

To be honest I wasn’t really thinking about it like that. It was only my second game and I only bowled four overs in the first. It doesn’t really matter to me if the game is at home or away. I was just pleased to make an impact. I have travelled around a bit and not got involved so I was happy to bowl nicely as it gives me great heart moving forward.

The all-rounder is well regarded as an excellent team man and is held in high regard by the England management. Tredwell fully understands his role as understudy to Swann but it doesn't dampen his enthusiasm. He is looking to make the most of every chance he gets at international level, and after Old Trafford he continues to play an important role within the squad and has kept himself firmly in the frame for selection when Alastair Cook's men take on South Africa in a five-match ODI series next month.

What feedback did you receive from Andy Flower (England coach) and Alastair Cook (England captain)?

They were obviously delighted. As a player, you want to perform to the best of your capabilities. Graeme Swann is the number one spinner and he is bowling really well. It was good to come in and take my opportunity and I am pleased that I helped put the team in a great position. I showed what I can do and England are certainly gaining confidence in what I can offer. Now, if a spinner gets injured, hopefully my name is high on the list.

How do you rate your chances of being included in the ODI side to face South Africa next month?

To be honest, who knows? I guess I haven’t done myself any harm, with the performance I put in, but if Swanny is fit then he is the man in position. My recent performance has probably helped my chances but I’m not really thinking about it. If they pick a similar squad again then there is a good chance that I won’t be in. My aim now is to get going with Kent and keep putting in similar positive performances.

Before the two sides meet in fifty over cricket, there is a small matter of a three Test series against the Proteas, starting at the Kia Oval on Thursday. England top the ICC Test match rankings with the tourists in second spot. The series promises to be a belter and Tredwell believes it will be a close run battle.

England and South Africa look well matched on paper. How do you see the Test series going?

I think it will be a very tough series for England. I watched South Africa at Canterbury and they look strong. I think a couple of injuries has put a few jitters through the squad. They will, naturally, miss Mark Boucher because he is a high class cricketer but they have still got quality from top to bottom. Still, England are in good form so it should be really close.

After failing to qualify for the Friends Life t20 quarter-finals, Kent now turn their attentions to LV= County Championship and Clydesdale Bank 40 cricket with Rob Key's men well set in both competitions. Tredwell is eager to get back into county action and play his part as he reveals that spirits are high in the camp, ahead of a crucial stage of the season.

Kent are now back into LV= CC and CB40 action. How do you assess the Club’s chances of success in both?

We are looking forward to getting back into it and I believe we can be successful in both. We didn't do as well as we hoped in the t20 but a couple of wins, in this next batch of matches, will lift us up the CB40 table and we just need to keep picking up positive results in the championship to maintain our good start.

Tredwell has had a truncated season to contend with as poor weather and England call-ups have restricted him at times. The rain, in particular, has made it tough for spinners to shine, around the country, but Kent's first-choice slow bowler isn't one to complain. He is happy with his form and always willing to play any role in the team.

How would you rate your own form so far this season?

Pretty decent. In championship cricket, I haven’t really had the chance to play on any real turning wickets because the weather conditions haven’t allowed for that. I have had to do the role that’s needed of me but it will be nice to win a few games and move up the table and, hopefully, get back into the first division.

The weather has proved frustrating for everyone this season. Has it hampered you as a spin bowler?

Yes and no. I have still bowled a reasonable amount of overs, but have had to take on a different role. The wickets have favoured the seamers, so far, and we have lost a fair bit of cricket but not as much as some might think. It is frustrating when you want to be out there but if we all keep playing to the best of our ability then we have a great chance.

With a couple of months left in the season, it is all to play for at domestic and international level and Tredwell, whoever he is playing for, simply wants to perform to the best of his ability and see where it leads.

Finally, what are your aims between now and the end of the season?

I try and take it day by day as I’m not a big one for setting goals. I just want to do as well as I can – whether it be for Kent or Kent and England. If I do that then hopefully the results will take care of themselves; both individually and collectively.