Chris Tremlett hoping for Ashes chance with England

Chris Tremlett has fought his way back into international contention with a fine first summer for Surrey. The fast bowler is in such good form that instead of being happy to accept a supporting role, he is confident he can be a protagonist in the battle for the urn.

Tremlett last represented his country in June 2008, and ill luck with injuries had seen him slip out of international contention. But a move from Hampshire to The Brit Insurance Oval revived his fortunes and, although not considered for the fourth Test against Pakistan, starting at Lord's tomorrow, the England selectors are watching him closely with Australia in mind.

Before Surrey's Division Two match against Leicestershire, Tremlett had taken 38 first-class wickets at an average of less than 20. The 28-year-old would relish a return to the Test arena, and believes his pace and height would prove ideal in Australian conditions.

"On Australian wickets, the taller bowlers come into the game a bit more because the ball doesn't swing as much over there," said Tremlett. "If the selectors are watching, I might have a chance of going to Australia.

"I still think I have something to offer at that level and I still think I'm good enough. I'd love to have the chance to play again, whether it be in the Ashes or further down the line.

"I've played in Australia before, on Academy tours and in two one-day internationals in 2007, so I know what the pitches are like. I've played Test cricket, so it wouldn't be throwing me in at the deep end to give me a chance in the Ashes.

"I wouldn't have moved to Surrey if I hadn't thought I still had a chance of playing for England. I've never bowled as well as I have this season, I feel fit and strong, and if the chance came, I would grab it with both hands."

Neither Stuart Broad nor Steven Finn has played international cricket in Australia, and Finn has not played at any level Down Under, so Tremlett's experience might count in his favour.

Furthermore, the Ashes will be played with a Kookaburra ball, which swings less than the Duke ball used in England. The lack of lateral movement might blunt the effectiveness of a bowler like Jimmy Anderson, but promote the talents of a hit-the-deck merchant like Tremlett.

He added: "Jimmy Anderson gets the Duke to go round corners, but it will be interesting to see if he can do that with the Kookaburra.

"Conditions are difficult and it is hot, so there is a lot more to contend with. It will be hard work, full stop. The key with the Kookaburra is trying to get reverse swing as quickly as possible.

"For Australia, Glenn McGrath and Stuart Clark had a lot of success by banging it in on a length from a good height, and achieving more bounce than smaller bowlers."

His injuries notwithstanding, it is a surprise Tremlett has not played more international cricket. In his only series for England in 2007, he claimed 13 Indian wickets at a shade below 30, and troubled the tourists' classy batting line-up with his pace and bounce.

Tremlett has been hampered in the past by a perceived lack of aggression. Yet, while he is more self-assured now, the former Hampshire man will not change for change's sake.

He added: "If I try to be too angry, it's like I'm being fake. I lose concentration on where I'm putting the ball.

"I've probably become a bit more aggressive over the last couple of years, but I've never been one to snarl and swear at batsmen. I believe in letting the ball do the talking."