Surrey switch saved Tremlett
ENGLAND seamer Chris Tremlett admits he’d be nowhere near Lord’s on Thursday preparing to take on India’s batsmen were it not for a career saving move from Hampshire to Surrey two years ago.
Tremlett’s rapid emergence as Jimmy Anderson’s new ball partner has added an extra dimension to England’s pace attack and their performances will go a long way to determining the outcome of an eagerly anticipated series against the world’s No1 ranked side.
The 6ft 7in speedster made his England debut four years ago, against India, but had to wait until the third Test of last winter’s Ashes series in Perth to gain a second bite of the international cherry.
Tremlett, who was England’s most impressive performer in the recent Test series against Sri Lanka, insists he always knew he had what it took to succeed at the highest level but admits he’d still be languishing in the doldrums at Hampshire were it not for his switch to the capital.
He said: “I’m one hundred per cent sure if I had stayed at Hampshire I’d never have played for England again.
“It got to the stage where for the first time in my life I wasn’t enjoying my cricket. Being part of a young vibrant Surrey side has revitalised me.
“Now I’ve got the chance to take on the best side in the world with some of the best batsmen. It’s a huge challenge but one we believe we are good enough to overcome.”