Kirtley's got what it takes

This after the Sussex fast bowler was called-up for the one-day series in Zimbabwe.

No sooner had Kirtley received the good news from chairman of selectors David Graveney on Tuesday morning his county captain was on the phone to pass on his congratulations.

Adams knows just how good it feels to be told you are going to play for your country. Two years ago this week he was celebrating his selection for the 1999 tour to South Africa.

Unfortunately Adams has not had a look-in since but he has known for a long time that Kirtley has got what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

He said: "I'm overjoyed for James. When I first came to Sussex in 1998, I could see straight away that he was a player with the potential and ability to play for England.

"His priority has always been his cricket and he's fitted the rest of his life around that.

"He's wanted it so badly that it hurts, I just wish I had been there when he was told the news because I know what a fantastic moment it is."

Adams has seen at close hand the obstacles Kirtley has had to overcome in order to realise his dream of representing his country.

Fellow pros, journalists and even umpires had expressed doubts for years about the legality of his bowling action and it seems Kirtley has only really been able to concentrate on fulfilling his ambitions since he was given the all-clear by the ECB last November after video analysis of an action caused by joints which hyper-extend beyond 180 degrees.

"I've been gutted for him before when he hasn't been picked," added Adams. "I can only guess that the thing about his action has prevented him from being selected before because his stats prove what a consistent performer he has been for the last four or five years.

"But he's overcome all that because no-one has focussed on playing for England than James."

Kirtley is part of a 15-man squad who will play five one-day internationals in Zimbabwe during October. England also have limited overs series in India and New Zealand early next year and Kirtley's aim must be selection for them as well.

And who knows? He would not be the first bowler whose performances earned him a call-up on to a full tour because of injury to one of the original selections.

"I think James has to look at the bigger picture," said Adams. "There are two more series later in the winter and if he does well in Zimbabwe he can put himself in the frame.

"And if someone broke down in India he would be an ideal replacement seamer. The ball reverse-swings a lot in Asia and he could be a difficult prospect for batsmen over there because he is one of the best exponents of reverse-swing.

"Whatever he achieves he fully deserves, no-one has worked harder and I think it reflects well on the people at Sussex like myself and Peter Moores (coach) who have been pushing his claims for so long."

Meanwhile Adams admits time is running out in his own personal battle to try and force himself back into the England picture.

It must give him hope that the selectors picked Essex's Paul Grayson, whose one-day average this season is just 27, for the Zimbabwe trip.

If he needs any inspiration he need look no further than Mark Butcher who, like Adams, lost his place after the South Africa tour in 1999.

The Surrey left-hander was recalled this summer because of injuries to the contracted batsmen despite modest early season county form.

Two months later he was named man of the series after his match-winning century in the fourth Ashes Test and can now make plans for India and New Zealand this winter.

"Mark had last winter at home, working on all aspects of his game and he's suddenly come from nowhere," said Adams.

"I won't be going abroad this winter. I'm going to take a break from cricket and then work on my game and see what happens.

"My record is still among the best in the country in one-day cricket and I'm happy with the progress I've made this year, but I'm 32 next year and if I'm realistic I've got one more season to try and win my England place back."

SUSSEX could get an early taste of what life is like in Division One next season.

The county confirmed this week that they will be heading to Grenada for the second year running next March for a two-week training camp.

Yorkshire, who won the County Championship for the first time since 1968, and possibly Northamptonshire will also be on the trip which will involve matches at the national stadium in the island capital St Georges.

The county went to the Caribbean for the first time this year and coach Peter Moores is convinced warm-weather training has helped them enjoy a successful season.

He said: "To be able to play the First Division champions out there is good news, let's hope we're playing them in the Championship as well later in the season.

"We had an excellent two weeks out there this year. The facilities are very good and it helped the new players get to know everyone.

The weather is guaranteed which is not the case at that time of year in England and going there definitely helped us."