Kent captain James Tredwell is enjoying leading the England bowling attack over in India in Graeme Swann’s absence.

The 30-year-old stepped out of the shadows to claim career best figures of 4 for 44 and to take the Man of the Match award as England beat India by nine runs in the First One Day International in Rajkot.

Tredwell’s spell made all the difference as England stemmed India’s assault on the 326 run target and the Kent skipper admitted after the game how he is enjoying a run in the side:

“I have an opportunity here to play a few games and show what I can do and hopefully keep my hat in the ring,” said Tredwell.

“I was just trying to stem the flow of runs and build up pressure on the batsmen, not allow them to swing the ball over the top but it is pleasing to take wickets in a game like this.”

“I guess they do mean more, because India are notoriously good players of spin but any international player you come up against is going to be a good player so to get any of them out is a string to your bow.”

Asked if the success of Swann and slow left-armer Monty Panesar in the 2-1 Test victory had inspired him, Tredwell added:
“Absolutely. You see them and you want to emulate them, but one-day cricket is completely different so it’s a different set of skills and a different approach.”

“The way I look at it is I have to keep improving, putting performances in when I do get the chance and show what I can do in training.”

“Hopefully I can get a few games along the way.”