Chris Tremlett is “hopeful” he will take injured Tim Bresnan’s place in the England team for Wednesday’s fifth Test with Australia.
Tremlett is favourite to be given the nod and play in his first Test since breaking down with injury in the series with Pakistan 19 months ago.
The Surrey fast bowler would be playing on his home ground at the Oval, and is expected to be selected ahead of Chris Woakes, Simon Kerrigan and Steven Finn.
England are hoping he will be fit for this winter’s Ashes series in Australia where he was an outstanding success on the 2010-11 tour.
The faster, bouncier pitches of Australia suit the hulking Tremlett’s bowling but he says he is not looking any further ahead than this week.
“I’m very hopeful,” he said of his selection chances. “It’s been a long time coming. It’s been great to have been back involved in the last two Test squads.
“Having injuries over the last two years I’m dying to get another opportunity at some point.
“It was great to be involved in the Ashes in Australia, and great to be involved here and being around the guys here.
“Unfortunately for Tim Bresnan he’s got injured and there’s an available spot there. Hopefully it’s myself that can get that opportunity.
“I’ve had a long time out with injury and it’s taken time to get my rhythm back and get back into shape. At the start of the season it was tough getting my rhythm back and getting overs into my legs.
“In the last three or four county games I’ve been somewhere
