/ Ralph Ellis / 05 February 2010 /

Kent spinner James Tredwell got married in October and immediately left his new bride to fly to South Africa to join England's tour. This weekend he's packing again to go to the UAE then Bangladesh. Betfair took a bit more of his honeymoon time away for a chat about his prospects . . .

So then James, thanks for sparing us some time, and even more thanks to the new Mrs Tredwell!

Yes, although it wasn't as bad as advertised because we did get a couple of weeks away together after the wedding before I got the call. It's been good to spend a bit of time at home this week though

But not for long?

No, we fly with the England Lions on Saturday, and I've already had to go up to Loughborough for a team meeting to prepare for it

Does that make you an unwilling tourist?

Definitely not. Getting the call to go to South Africa was a nice surprise, and I'm delighted to be on this trip too, especially the Bangladesh part. That will be massive for me and hopefully I'll get a game. To be honest I just want to play some cricket, having been on duty in South Africa but not actually getting in the middle.

Tell us about South Africa...

Well, it can be a bit frustrating on the sidelines, but Andy Flower has got a real good team spirit going so it was good just to be part of it. I think that showed in the games. We saved some from situations where we should have lost.

You were there as cover for Graeme Swann but he kept playing. What did that mean for you?

There's actually a fair bit of responsibility during the game to help the lads out in the middle. If that means running drinks, gloves, whatever, you pitch in and help - and of course you do your work in the nets to be ready in case you are needed for the next game.

What did you learn from being around the side?

I think mainly the pride that goes into performance at the top level, and what you actually need to have in place as a person with your temperament and things like that to succeed. I think that's a major part of it now, not necessarily the skills you have, but everything else that goes with it.

Anything particular you've decided you must improve?

It's made me think about mental toughness. I don't think you necessarily know if you have got it until you take part in the middle, but hopefully it's about making sure you are ready if you get a call.

Isn't attitude vital for a spin bowler anyway?

Definitely, and especially nowadays with the bats getting bigger and the boundaries shorter. People try to hit the spinner out of the ground, so you have to have that bravery to keep doing your thing. I've always loved that challenge. I think if the guy is playing shots it gives you more chance of getting him out.

Graeme Swann had a fantastic tour, is spin bowling having a bit of a renaissance?

I think so, and Nathan Hauritz doing so well for Australia is increasing the belief in the normal finger spinner being successful at Test level. That's given hope to the likes of myself over the last couple of years. Until then the likes of Murali were taking the spotlight, but Swanny's had a great 12 months and he's helped me believe I can do something similar.

How did you come to bowl right handed and bat left?

I don't know, to be honest. Apparently as a very small child I did bat right handed but one day just turned it round. My strongest hand is my right. I just think it works so don't ask why, just do it!

You took 69 wickets in the Championship last year. Is your call-up proof that England is not a closed shop any more?

Absolutely. And I think it's great for people in county cricket to know that if you do perform there's a chance round the corner.

And back in the First Division for Kent this year?

Yes, it's been said many times that the gap between first and second has become a bit of a leap, so it's a challenge for us all. But having had only one year down the main goal for the club was to get back up, and hopefully we can put up a good show and stay there and push for the top half.

Do you know much about Bangladesh wickets?

Not a great deal, I've spoken to a coupe of people, Paul Farbrace, who is Kent's coach, was Sri Lanka's assistant coach, so he has given me a couple of bits of advice. Otherwise, I just hope to get a chance to get into the Test side. When you go to that part of the world you tend to see spinners come to the fore, so hopefully that will be the case and I might get a go.

We hope so too. Thanks for your time and we've a free £50 bet for a favourite charity

Demelza House are Kent's chosen charity this year so I'll try to help them - and I reckon Tottenham at [4.3] to be winner of the Premier League without the Big Four is a great bet. I think they've the best squad of the teams who are challenging.

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