Tremlett itching for chance

Chris Tremlett © Getty Images

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Chris Tremlett is confident his body has overcome his bad run of injuries and is better prepared for the rigours of international cricket if given another chance by England.

The Hampshire seamer has long been regarded as one of the most potent bowlers in county cricket with the pace and bounce he generates able to trouble even the best batsmen.

He impressed in three Tests against India last summer, but then his international career stalled with injury ruling him out of the tour to Sri Lanka before Christmas. He was then forced home from New Zealand in similar circumstances.

But after impressing by claiming 3-58 as England Lions reduced New Zealand to 261 for nine in reply to 280 in the tour match at the Rose Bowl, Tremlett believes he is better equipped to make the step up.

“Over the last couple of years my body has held up a bit better,” said Tremlett, whose chance in New Zealand was ruined by an untimely side strain problem.

“Having a side strain is quite unlucky, it’s more the back injuries and things like that which are more serious and put you out for a long time and they are the ones you worry about.

“My body is a lot stronger than it was and last year I didn’t really have too many injuries so I’m not really worried about that now.

“All I’m concentrating on now is performing and trying to get some big hauls under my belt, trying to show some consistency and force my way in by taking lots of wickets and bowling at good economy rates, like you have to do in Test cricket.”