Tredwell named in the England Performance Squad

Kent off-spinner James Tredwell (pictured)has been called up to England“s Performance Squad, which will be based in Australia this winter. The 15-men making the trip will be based down under for the duration of the first three Ashes Test matches and will provide cover for the main 16-man party that will tackle the Aussies in the much-hyped Ashes series.

The 28 year-old, who missed part of the 2010 season on national team duty, enjoyed another good year and finished as the club“s leading wicket-taker in championship cricket with 38 victims. He also put his name firmly into the mind of the selectors on the final day of the domestic season. His 7-22, including a remarkable hat-trick, fired Kent to an improbable victory over Yorkshire at Headingley.

Commenting on being named in the Performance Squad, James Tredwell said: “Having been involved last winter, I guess I am slightly disappointed to miss out on the full squad. I didn“t do myself any harm, with my performances in Bangladesh, but I guess I“ve lost out after a slow start to the season, following the World t20. Still, I“m pleased to be going to Australia with the Performance Squad and am in the frame if someone suffers an injury or loss of form.”

Graham Johnson, Kent“s Chairman of Cricket, added: "We are delighted that James continues to be in the thoughts of the selectors. He is forming a key part of our plans for the future and the experience that he is gaining with England is great; both for him and the club.”

Tredwell has a solitary Test match cap to his name thus far. He turned out for his country against Bangladesh in Dhaka in March of this year. He excelled in that game, which England won by nine wickets, returning match figures of six for 181, including four for 82 in the Tigers second innings. With the bat, he made a valuable 37 to complete an impressive debut.

He has been named in an upcoming England team bonding group, as he went on to explain: “I am going on this pre Ashes camp, which leaves tomorrow morning. We are going away for four days and I think it will be a useful trip. We haven“t been told much else. We just need to report to the airport tonight and will be briefed in then. The fact that I“ve been included is positive and shows that I am still very much in the minds of the selectors.”

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