Tremlett keen to renew India rivalry

LONDON: England fast bowler Chris Tremlett is looking forward to showing India how he has improved as a cricketer since making his debut against them four years ago.

India, currently on tour in the West Indies, are set to arrive in England for a Test series next month as the world's number one-ranked Test team.

But they will find themselves up against an England side who have won five Test series in a row and boast a rejuvenated fast bowler in the 6ft 7in Tremlett, who returned to international duty during the recent tour of Australia with several key displays during England's Ashes triumph.

The 29-year-old carried that form home with him and was recently named England's man of the series against Sri Lanka after taking a Test-best six for 48 in this week's drawn finale at the Rose Bowl -- the ground where he made his name with Hampshire before switching to Surrey last season.

Tremlett's Test debut, at Lord's where the opening match of the India series starts next month, saw him take match figures of four for 104.

"I played against them four years ago and it was my first taste of Test cricket," Tremlett recalled on Thursday.

"I am pretty sure with my bounce and things they found me the hardest bowler to face out of the three (seamers).

"Jimmy Anderson is obviously a great bowler but I offer something different with my bounce, pace, etc.

"If we get pitches like we did at the Rose Bowl with a bit more bounce I am sure they are going to find it uncomfortable.

"I am probably the tallest bowler around in the world so I do offer something a bit different.

"My bounce can be awkward on certain pitches so hopefully I can keep doing what I am doing and causing a threat to batsmen from any team."

Reflecting on the transformation in his fortunes during the past 12 months, Tremlett added: "I was at Hampshire, I had a few injuries and was struggling to get in the county team so it has been a crazy year really.

"Surrey has been great, last year playing a full season with no injuries was fantastic.

"Just to make it into the squad to Australia was huge for me and to be now one of the main bowlers in the team is superb.

"Being in the top 10 of the world and stats like that are fantastic and you do have to pinch yourself a little bit. I still want to keep doing that, performing and keeping consistent.

"My goal was to try and back up what I did in Australia and nail a spot in the team.

"I am very happy with the way that it has gone. I contributed to the win in Cardiff in the second innings and to get five wickets at my home ground -- the Rose Bowl -- was very special.

"And it was great to get man of the match -- the first time I've got man of the match for England -- and to back it up with man of the series was very special as well."

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011