Publications
Partners
Perth - Towering fast bowler Chris Tremlett answered England's call in emphatic fashion on the opening day of the crucial third Ashes Test at the WACA ground here on Thursday.
Tremlett was recalled to play just his fourth Test, and first in more than three years, because of a tour-ending injury to Stuart Broad, and grasped his opportunity with both hands.
Preferred over Tim Bresnan because of the bounce he was likely to extract from the wicket, the 29-year-old admitted to pre-match nerves, but blew them away when he clean bowled another player returning to Test cricket, Australian opener Phil Hughes, with the last ball of his first over of the match.
He then went on to claim the prized wicket of Michael Clarke, as well as youngster Steven Smith, both caught behind the wicket, in claiming 3-63 from 23 impressive overs as England closed in on retaining the Ashes.
Tremlett, whose temperament is often questioned, said the recall was the reward for hard work and a switch to Surrey in county cricket.
He said he was a much-improved bowler than when he last played for England in June 2007, against India.
"I'm fitter than ever and stronger than ever," he said.
"I'm very happy with my action, it is as repetitive as it has ever been and I'm just a lot more consistent than I used to be.
"I think I have grown up a bit.
"I am more experienced as a cricketer and I know my game a lot more.
"I just think I am a better bowler than I was three years ago."
Tremlett said he hoped the performance would pave the way for an extended run in the English team.
"That would be obviously nice," he said. "But I am not trying to look too far ahead, it is only one innings.
"I am very pleased with the way I bowled today. Hopefully I can back that up in the second innings and help win the game."
