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Tredwell prepared for another onslaught

With short, straight boundaries and an Australia side with the bit between their teeth James Tredwell is ready to face another onslaught when he is given the ball at the SWALEC Stadium on Saturday.

Andrew McGlashan
Andrew McGlashan
13-Sep-2013
James Tredwell has performed well for England in ODIs this year but was taken on by the Australians at Old Trafford  •  Getty Images

James Tredwell has performed well for England in ODIs this year but was taken on by the Australians at Old Trafford  •  Getty Images

With short, straight boundaries and an Australia side with the bit between their teeth James Tredwell is ready to face another onslaught when he is given the ball at the SWALEC Stadium on Saturday.
England have only bowled once during this series, when they conceded 315 at Old Trafford, and the innings was notable for how Australia targeted Tredwell whose eight overs cost 60 for the reward of one wicket. The new-look England team, with Ben Stokes as the third seamer, adds greater onus on Tredwell and the way he was attacked by Australia's top order in Manchester put huge pressure on Eoin Morgan.
But one tough day in the field is not going to knock Tredwell off his stride after an outstanding Champions Trophy where he ensured Graeme Swann's various absences through injury were barely noticed. It could even be argued that Tredwell has done enough over the last 12 months to be considered England's No. 1 one-day spinner.
"It seemed to be as soon as I came on they were gunning for me," he said. "They came pretty hard in that game, pretty much a plan by the looks of it. On another day, it might have been 3 for 20 after those four overs. When they come hard like that, it obviously gives me a chance to take wickets as well. The other day, they came off. I hope it will be my day at some stage in this series. Certainly one end here is pretty short. I'll stay away from that one."
That phlegmatic attitude to his lot as a spinner in the modern one-day game - highlighting the advantage of picking experienced domestic cricketers - helps Tredwell to overcome his difficult days.
"You tend to get hit for a few sixes. You've got to take that on the chin, put that behind you and try to beat them the next time - that's the way I look at it. Sometimes it's horrible, depending on who's at the other end. But if someone is taking a chance, then it's giving you one."
And if there was a major one-day final on the horizon, with Swann fit and available, is there now a serious question for the selectors to answer? "I'd like to think my name would be in the hat. I think I've put in the performances to be there or thereabouts. The decision wouldn't be mine. I think I've done pretty well over the last little period. I need to keep that going."
Although Andy Flower has said Monty Panesar will be considered for the Ashes tour despite his troubled end to the season, if it is decided that he cannot be taken on the trip Tredwell could yet be the second spinner behind Swann. Simon Kerrigan's horrid debut at The Oval is likely to have ruled him out - although a Lions spot should allow him to continue his development - while there are few other realistic options around the county game.
"It's always nice to be around the environment, and if you do the right things you can put your name in the ring," Tredwell said. ""The last 12 months have been fantastic for me in this form of the game, and I just want that to continue. But it's a totally different form of the game, so that's out of my hands really. It's evident for all to see there are opportunities available, and you just try to do your best and hope your name gets picked out."

Andrew McGlashan is an senior assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo