Tremlett handed incremental contract

Chris Tremlett has impressed for England since his recall in Perth © Associated Press

Enlarge

Chris Tremlett has been rewarded for his role in England's victorious Ashes campaign, with the ECB offering him an incremental contract for the remainder of the 2011 season.

Though Tremlett missed out on selection for the forthcoming World Cup, he has played in each of England's first three ODIs in Australia, having starred with the ball in the final three Tests of the Ashes at Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

He claimed 17 wickets at 23.35 in those matches having come into the team as a replacement for Stuart Broad, and after announcing himself with 5 for 87 in the first innings at Perth, it was he who claimed the honour of the series-sealing wicket, when he bowled Michael Beer off the inside-edge at Sydney.

"The selectors are delighted with the contribution Chris has made in both forms of the game this winter," said the national selector, Geoff Miller. "His return of 17 wickets from three Test matches in Australia was an outstanding effort and he can be very proud of the role he played in helping the team retain the Ashes."

Tremlett came into the series with a reputation for flakiness, but having impressed for Surrey following his move from Hampshire the previous winter, he was picked on the recommendation of England's bowling coach, David Saker, who reckoned that his 6'8" frame and economical action bore all the hallmarks of an international-standard bowler.

Non-contracted players can earn an England increment contract via a points system. Five points are awarded for a Test appearance and two for a T20 or ODI appearance, with an increment contract being awarded automatically once the player reaches 20 points during the 12-month contract period.

"I'm really pleased but I have to say it's no great surprise," said Chris Adams, Surrey's director of cricket. "He has looked a class act in an England shirt, and he was a class act for Surrey last summer. He came to Surrey with the ambition of contributing at international level. It was a fresh start and a fresh approach, and he's driven forward with it."