James Kirtley lists Darren Gough among his cricketing heroes.

He's even taken advice from the country's No.1 fast bowler on how to handle the demands of international cricket.

But, as he prepares for his first full tour, Kirtley would love nothing better than to take over Gough's mantle in the England one-day side.

While Gough takes the winter off, Kirtley and several other wannabes have the chance to press their claims for a long-term international career.

For the Sussex vice-captain that means an 18-day tour to Zimbabwe for five one-day internationals, the first of which takes place in Harare next Wednesday.

"I've spoken to Goughie quite a bit about what it's like to bowl in pressure situations like Test matches and one-day internationals," said Kirtley.

"He's been superb and my ambition is to be there with him one day. If I can do well in Zimbabwe then I can improve my chances. That's my first aim, but there is another one-day tour later in the winter which I'd love to be involved in as well."

Certainly few members of the 15-man squad which left Gatwick yesterday will have more idea of what to expect in southern Africa than Kirtley who spent the winter of 1996 there playing for Mashonaland.

Called up for the tour match, he took five England wickets including two players who will become team-mates over the next few days, skipper Nasser Hussain and Warwickshire's Nick Knight.

The locals call October 'suicide month' because of the intense heat. Then there's the prospect of playing at 3,000 feet above sea level.

It will take some getting used too, but you sense that Kirtley will do what he's always done and take everything in his stride.

A year ago his career was in jeopardy because of allegations about the legality of his bowling action. He was eventually cleared by the ECB after extensive video anaylsis revealed that the quirk was caused by a hyper-extension in his elbow. Then at the start of the season Kirtley was thrust into the spotlight again after Chris Adams' injury meant he had to captain Sussex for the first critical month of the summer.

Sussex won two Championship games and qualified for the knockout stage of the Benson & Hedges Cup. Kirtley had passed another test of character with flying colours.

He went on to have an outstanding season with the ball, finishing with 102 wickets in all cricket and the accolade of the country's leading wicket-taker in first-class cricket with 75. No wonder then, even though the celebrations which accompanied Sussex's promotion are only just dying down, he can't wait to get back into action.

With Andy Caddick also missing, Kirtley effectively faces a three-way fight for the two fast bowling berths with Yorkshire pair Ryan Sidebottom and Matthew Hoggard, neither of whom have any one-day experience at this level either.

"I had a few little niggles at the end of the season but they are fine and I've had a few days rest," added Kirtley. "To be honest I can't wait to get started now. I finished the season in good rhythm and I just want to get out there and work on a few things and get my game plan worked out.

"I'd be quite happy to have the responsibility of bowling at the start and end of an innings. I've always bowled well at the death for Sussex, but this summer I worked on being more economical up front and I'm very happy with how my one-day season went, even though I didn't take that many wickets."

There are clearly opportunities for the likes of Kirtley and the other new faces, Gloucester all-rounder Jeremy Snape and Essex wicketkeeper James Foster.

The squad for the one-day series in India and New Zealand won't be picked until later in the year and coach Duncan Fletcher's long-term plan is to build a competitive side for the next World Cup in 2003.

Kirtley would love to be involved as well, but he refuses to look too far ahead.

"Doing well in Zimbabwe is my first aim, but I'd love to be pushing for another tour later in the winter and we'll see how it goes after that."

ITINERY
Monday, October 1: v Zimbabwe A, Alexandra SC.

Wednesday, October 3: 1st one-day international, Harare Sports Club.

Saturday, October 6: 2nd one-day international, Harare Sports Club.

Sunday, October 7: 3rd one-day international, Harare Sports Club.

Wednesday, October 10: 4th one-day international, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.

Saturday, October 13: 5th one-day international, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.