Exclusive – Ramprakash backs Tremlett to make major Ashes impact

Mark Ramprakash has backed Surrey team-mate Chris Tremlett to make a major impact for England in this winter’s Ashes series.

The fast bowler has not played a Test for his country since the series against India in 2007 but has been named in England’s 16-man squad ahead of Ajmal Shahzad.

And ex-England batsman Ramprakash believes the selectors have made the correct call in opting for Tremlett, who has taken 48 first-class wickets for Surrey this season.

He told Hawksbee and Jacobs: “I think he’s been outstanding this year. I’m very happy to be playing alongside him rather than batting against him because he’s very awkward, he’s very tall, he gets a lot of bounce and he bowls at a good pace.

“For Surrey this year he’s been outstanding. I think he’s taken 48 wickets at average of 20 which is very, very good in four-day cricket.

“I think more than that as well his economy rate is very good. He only goes for just over two an over so I think England are getting a bowler in that squad there who will contribute in different ways, he can take wickets but he can also fit in to be part of that pace attack that exerts pressure on Australia by keeping the run rate down as well.

“I’m really thrilled he’s included in the party because he deserves it. Mentally this year he has been very consistent and very professional in the way he has gone about his business.

“I think England will be looking to Steven Finn to be first choice but it’s a lot to ask Finn, a young guy, first time to Australia.

“And if things don’t go right they have in Chris Tremlett a guy who can come straight in, who has experience of international cricket, has played cricket in Australia before and I think he will do very well if he gets the opportunity.”