Tremlett steps in for Hoggard

Hampshire seamer recalled ahead of second Test

By Joe Drabble   Last updated: 20th May 2008

Chris Tremlett England v New Zealand Selection XI Feb 08

Tremlett: England call

Chris Tremlett has won the race to replace the injured Matthew Hoggard in England's 12-man squad for the second Test Match against New Zealand.

The Yorkshire swing bowler was ruled out of the Old Trafford Test after breaking a thumb during his county's LV County Championship Division One defeat against Durham last week.

Hoggard sustained the injury whilst fending off a nasty delivery from Steve Harmison - one of a number of bowlers hoping to step in for the 31-year-old for the crucial second Test.

However, it is Tremlett who has earned a recall to the Test squad after an impressive display for the England Lions against the Kiwis in last week's tour match at the Rose Bowl.

England selector Geoff Miller said: "Chris performed well in last summer's npower Test Series against India and was unfortunate to have to return home early from the tour of New Zealand through injury.

"He is a player whose form we have been closely monitoring for some time and I am sure that he will be very pleased to be back in the squad and keen to stake his claim for a regular place in our bowling attack."

Tremlett suffered a back spasm in Hampshire's County Championship game against Surrey last week but has recovered sufficiently to win a recall ahead of Durham pace pair Graham Onions and Harmison.