Chris Adams believes Sussex team-mate James Kirtley could force his way into contention for an Ashes call-up.

Kirtley, 27, flies out to Australia tomorrow with England's other one-day specialists to prepare for the forthcoming limited overs VB Series after he was drafted into the squad on Wednesday to replace the injured Darren Gough.

With England's attack struggling to contain the rampant Australian batsman in the first two Tests, Adams believes Kirtley is capable of making an impression before the Ashes series concludes with back-to-back Tests in Sydney and Melbourne over Christmas and New Year.

Adams, who played five Tests for England three years ago, said: "It's easy for me to back James because I see him day in, day out and I know what a good performer he is.

"The one-dayers England play before the last two Tests will put James in the shop window and if the Ashes are already gone then I don't think the selectors will have anything to lose by putting him in."

England's plans has been wrecked by injuries to Gough and Simon Jones and the poor form of their new ball pair Andy Caddick and Matthew Hoggard.

"I really feel for Nasser (Hussain)," said Adams. "All he wants are guys who will go through brick walls for him but there have been the injury problems and the other guys look out of sorts.

"Looking at what might be available in a couple of weeks time I would definitely consider James for the Tests. He bowls line and length, will swing the ball and he is also something different.

"In the back of their minds Nasser and (coach) Duncan Fletcher are probably thinking that anyone who is in good form, will try their nuts off, hit their lengths, keep things tight and take two or three wickets is worth looking at and it could be James."

Kirtley flies out with Ian Blackwell, Paul Collingwood, Ronnie Irani, Nick Knight, Owais Shah and Jeremy Snape as the additions for the limited overs series which starts on December 13 with a day-nighter against Australia and also involves Sri Lanka.

Before then there are three warm-up games, the first against New South Wales in Sydney on December 6.

Kirtley has played seven ODIs and his call-up means an unexpected change to his winter plans. He admitted: "I got married three weeks ago and I had planned a quiet winter at home."