Tremlett impresses for Lions

Hampshire seamer hits form in timely fashion

Last updated: 10th May 2008

Chris Tremlett England v New Zealand Selection XI Feb 08

Tremlett: making a case

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Tour Match
The Rose Bowl - Day Two
England Lions 280 (L J Wright 120) v New Zealand 261-9 (A J Redmond 139 no)

Chris Tremlett made use of his local knowledge and pressed claims for a full England recall after giving an eye-catching display for the Lions against New Zealand on day two of their match at the Rose Bowl.

Having impressed last summer against India, the Hampshire seamer endured a frustrating winter with injuries and appeared to have slipped out of contention.

But with Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison having been dropped during the recent series in New Zealand, competition for places has increased ahead of next week's first Test against the Black Caps.

And Tremlett certainly made a case for himself on Friday, claiming two early wickets to leave New Zealand struggling on 47-3 in reply to the Lions' first-innings 280.

He then returned with the second new ball to dismiss all-rounder Jacob Oram (25) as the tourists reached 261-9 before the close of the second day.

Kiwi batsman Aaron Redmond looked to have done enough to secure a Test debut at Lord's thanks to an unbeaten 139.

But, with England selector James Whitaker watching on, Hoggard endured a largely frustrating day - the Yorkshireman at least managing three late wickets with the second new ball.

Hoggard had earlier been outshone by Durham seamer Graham Onions, who claimed the scalp of Jamie How (0) with the second ball of the day, the opener falling lbw.

Tremlett then came on for Hoggard and tempted Jamie Marshall (10) into playing a short ball straight to Luke Wright at short leg.

He was also responsible for the departure of Ross Taylor, New Zealand's best batsman against England during the winter edging behind for five.

While his team-mates struggled with the bat, however, Redmond flourished and batted all day to reach his highest first-class score.

He also shared a 77-run stand with stand-in captain Brendon McCullum but, with New Zealand looking to take control, the latter was run out by Michael Carberry for 47.

Partly to blame for the mix up which saw his skipper depart, Redmond made amends by reaching his own half-century.

And, after being both hit on the helmet by a Tremlett short ball and dropped by Graeme Swann at second slip on 97, he eventually reached his century before going on to surpass his previous best first-class score of 135.

Hoggard had to wait until the 85th over for his first success when Jeetan Patel (2) edged to second slip.

He followed up by removing Tim Southee (6) and Iain O'Brien (0) to leave the tourists trailing by 19 runs.