Tremlett 'dying to get an opportunity'

Cricket365
August 19, 2013

England fast bowler Chris Tremlett has insisted he is "dying to get an opportunity to play" in the fifth and final Ashes Test, which will get underway at The Oval in London on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old Tremlett, who has not played international cricket since January 2012, has been named in a 14-man squad that also features the uncapped Simon Kerrigan and Chris Woakes.

Seamer Steven Finn, meanwhile, has been recalled – while right-armers Graham Onions and Tim Bresnan were not considered due to respective finger and back injuries. The hosts, however, did not opt for cover for the right-handed Kevin Pietersen, who is nursing a hurt knee.

"I'm very hopeful. It's been a long time coming and it's been great to be back involved in the last two Test squads. I've had my injuries over the last couple of years, but hopefully that is in the past," said Tremlett.

"It was great to be involved in the Ashes back in Australia and it's great to be back involved in the squad and getting a feel for being around the guys again. It's great to be back at The Oval, but unfortunately for Tim, he has got injured and there was a spot there. Hopefully it's myself who can get the opportunity."

Woakes has been afforded a second chance to debut in a Test – after not getting a berth in the final XI despite featuring the squad for the series against the New Zealanders earlier this year.

"I'm thrilled to be named in the squad for the final Ashes Test of the summer. Representing your country in any form of the game is a great honour. But Test match cricket, particularly the Ashes, is the pinnacle," added Woakes.

"I was fortunate to be with the team on every day of the fourth Test in Durham, and now being included in the squad is a great opportunity for me to impress – as well as being one that I will relish."

England sport an unassailable three-nil lead in the five-fixture affair on the back of a 14-run win at Trent Bridge, 347-run victory at Lord's, rain-affected draw at Old Trafford and 74-run triumph at Chester-le-Street.