Tredwell thrilled with England recall

Kent off-spinner, James Tredwell has spoken of his delight after being recalled to the England Test squad on Tuesday.

Tredwell, who turned 30 on Monday, was named as one of four spinners in England’s sixteen man squad for the two Test series against Sri Lanka in March and April.

His inclusion in the Test squad, some two years after his one and only Test against Bangladesh in March 2010 may have surprised some within the game, but for Tredwell it was a very welcome phone call; “I had a phone call from Geoff Miller (ECB Chairman of selectors) on Sunday morning, explaining the situation and what would be happening. I was slightly surprised having not been involved in the winter in any sort of way.

“Having been involved last winter and doing reasonably well, my name was still in the hat and that was pleasing to know. I have impressed in the past, so I’ll hopefully continue to do that and you never know, I might get a go along the way.”

Despite having not been selected for the tours to both India and the recent series against Pakistan, Tredwell told KSN how we was pleased that the selectors were good to their word at the back end of last season when they said he was still in their thoughts; “That drives you on to keep your training going. Although I had a quiet couple of months at the back end of last season, I kept up my training and that will pay off now I’ve been selected. Hopefully, I can go over there and be in good shape if I’m needed.”

Tredwell’s recall to the side means England will travel with four spinners, with Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar joined by Samit Patel for the two Test series. Tredwell believes there is every chance England could face Sri Lanka with three or even four spinners in the side; “In that part of the world, it’s been shown that Pakistan can have success with three spinners and Samit has mainly been a batsman in his county career who bowls, so that is an option as he can play as a batter and offer a few overs here and there.

“We could play four spinners if we want to go in with three frontline spin bowlers; equally there are great seam bowling options within the squad. If wickets allow, they will come into play as well, so there are good options all around for the squad.”

Although Head Coach, Andy Flower has already indicated that Tredwell is going as cover for Graeme Swann, he is hoping to do enough to force his way into the starting eleven; “I guess I am initially going as understudy to Swanny, who has had a fantastic time of it, while Monty has done really well in recent games. English sides haven’t got the history of playing more than two spinners and with the seam bowlers being as good as they are, it’ll be tough to leave some of them out, but when you go to that part of the world, you just never know what you’ll come up against.

“We could get to one place and not need any seamers at all, so you’ve got to go in with your eyes wide open. I’ve just got to be ready to play if needs be.”

Tredwell will be one of seven players heading out to Sri Lanka early to get adjusted to the conditions. England batting coach Graham Gooch will lead the training camp involving Andrew Strauss, Ian Bell, Steven Davies, Monty Panesar, Samit Patel, Matt Prior and Tredwell, with the Kent spinner hoping to use the extra time out there to good effect:

“I leave on Monday, which I think is about a week earlier than the next group, so it’ll be nice for me as I’ve been hemmed up inside the indoor school over the winter.

“It’ll be nice to get outside into the sunshine and onto grass, and get some practice on their wickets out there.”

Tredwell’s trip to Sri Lanka with England will mean he missed Kent’s pre-season ten-day stint in Antigua, the warm up games, plus the first Championship game against Yorkshire at Headingley, but Tredwell is determined to do well for the side on his return; “I’ve spent the winter preparing for Kent’s new season, and you immerse yourself in what you’re doing at the time. Obviously with Jimmy (Adams) coming in and a few new faces, there is a real sense of excitement within the group. To miss out on the tour to Antigua is a bit of a loss, but it’s a nicereason not to be there.

“I think everyone at the Club ispleasedfor me, and hopefully I can go out there and do everyone proud.”

Jamed Tredwell was speaking to Steve Wolfe of KSN

Photo Sarah Ansell SarahCanterbury.com