'I didn't know what sledging was until I played in Australia'
James Tredwell on copping earfuls, his first time in an England shirt, and more
Interview by Jack Wilson
09-Mar-2014
"I don't know if he gloved it but Matt Prior took the catch and he was given" • Getty Images
First time I was properly sledged
It would have been on my first visit to Australia, when I was 18. I didn't really know what sledging was until I went to play club cricket out there. The first time I walked to the wicket was a bit spicy. A few verbals went my way.
It would have been on my first visit to Australia, when I was 18. I didn't really know what sledging was until I went to play club cricket out there. The first time I walked to the wicket was a bit spicy. A few verbals went my way.
First time I met a hero
Richard Davis was probably the earliest one. When I was involved in Kent for the first time, I was coached by a couple of players and you're always in awe of them. At that time, when you're ten or 11, the Kent players came in, a bit like I do now, to help out. You look up to people like that as you grow up.
Richard Davis was probably the earliest one. When I was involved in Kent for the first time, I was coached by a couple of players and you're always in awe of them. At that time, when you're ten or 11, the Kent players came in, a bit like I do now, to help out. You look up to people like that as you grow up.
First bowling inspiration
In terms of spin bowling, it'd have to be Shane Warne, if I'm honest, even if he was a legspinner. Before that you have the people that you try and mimic and what have you. John Emburey and Phil Tufnell were around during my youth and they were two really successful bowlers at that point for England. But when Warney came on the scene he was just another level.
In terms of spin bowling, it'd have to be Shane Warne, if I'm honest, even if he was a legspinner. Before that you have the people that you try and mimic and what have you. John Emburey and Phil Tufnell were around during my youth and they were two really successful bowlers at that point for England. But when Warney came on the scene he was just another level.
First time I realised I could have a career in cricket
It was when I was probably 19 or 20. I had dreams of making a career out of it before that point but it wasn't until I got the odd game for the second team at Kent that I had the chance to put what I had been learning into practice. I had a little bit of success for the second team but you don't know when you'll get the chance at first-team level and you don't know how you'll adapt to that either. Once you do get that opportunity, you have to take it.
It was when I was probably 19 or 20. I had dreams of making a career out of it before that point but it wasn't until I got the odd game for the second team at Kent that I had the chance to put what I had been learning into practice. I had a little bit of success for the second team but you don't know when you'll get the chance at first-team level and you don't know how you'll adapt to that either. Once you do get that opportunity, you have to take it.
First time I played for England
It was special - a day I'll never forget. We were playing Bangladesh in a one-day international in Dhaka. It was not the best place in the world but it's an incredible experience when the chance is given to you to play for your country. I remember my first England wicket, which came in a Test match against them. Tamim Iqbal went to sweep one and he gloved it. Well, I don't know if he did but Matt Prior took the catch and he was given.
It was special - a day I'll never forget. We were playing Bangladesh in a one-day international in Dhaka. It was not the best place in the world but it's an incredible experience when the chance is given to you to play for your country. I remember my first England wicket, which came in a Test match against them. Tamim Iqbal went to sweep one and he gloved it. Well, I don't know if he did but Matt Prior took the catch and he was given.