Kirtley gets England nod

The 27-year-old was today named in a 15 man party for the triangular series against India and Sri Lanka which starts next Thursday.

Kirtley's selection didn't come as a surprise. He has taken 45 wickets in all cricket so far this season and an impressive performance in the unofficial trial in front of the selectors against Sri Lanka ten days ago, when he took two wickets.

A match haul of 10-90 in last week's Championship win over Yorkshire clinched his place.

With Darren Gough not expected to be fit for the start of the tournament and Andy Caddick ruled out with a side strain, there is a good chance Kirtley will be able to add to the three one-day appearances he made for England last October.

Kirtley impressed in that series against Zimbabwe but his world was turned upside down when he was reported for a suspect action by the match referee during the first ODI.

For three months after Christmas Kirtley worked with Sussex coach Peter Moores and the ECB's bowling advisor Bob Cottam to re-model his action before he was cleared by an ECB panel in March.

Kirtley said: "I'd be lying if I said getting back into the England squad hasn't been figuring largely in my thoughts.

"I very much wanted to be part of the international set-up again. If you are a professional then playing for your country must always be one of your ambitions."

England start the series against Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge next Thursday before facing India at Lord's two days later.

The final is scheduled for July 13 and means Kirtley will be absent for Sussex's next three Championship games against Yorkshire, Hampshire and Kent as well as two National League matches.

Kirtley heard the news while he was preparing for Sussex's C & Trophy fourth round game against Leicestershire at Grace Road today.

The selectors have added Essex's in-form all-rounder Ronnie Irani and Surrey pair Alec Stewart and Alex Tudor to the 11 on duty during the one-day series in India and New Zealand during the winter.