Fit Tudor is finally up and running

David Lloyd13 April 2012

A young fast bowler heads for Edgbaston today hoping that England's second Test of the summer against Sri Lanka could be the match that truly kick-starts his career.

Simon Jones, Glamorgan's new kid on the block? Well, fairy tales still happen in professional sport.

But if any member of Nasser Hussain's pace department looks ready to seize the moment this week then it is Alex Tudor, a man who is well overdue a decent run on the international stage.

It is now three and a half years since Tudor made his Test debut against Australia at Perth. He was just 21 and, encouraged by the fastest pitch around, took four wickets - including those of the Waugh twins - for 89 runs.

Australia won, needless to say, but Wisden - that recorder of cricketing deeds since way back when - felt Tudor's performance "propelled him from potential to reality."

Well, it did for a few days, at least. By now, Tudor could have played around 40 Tests. In fact, he has picked up just four more caps and there were those who wondered whether England would even consider him for a sixth after last summer ended with more injury misery.

Tudor has looked the part on almost every occasion he has represented his country. But those occasions have been too few and too far between.

Until now, perhaps. Last season's injury could not have been worst timed. Another Ashes series was being swept into the dustpan when England sent Tudor to Trent Bridge. Soon enough, 2-0 to Australia became 3-0 but not before the Surrey man had returned his best figures of five for 44 during the first innings.

Even that joy was short-lived, however, as in the next Test at Headingley, Tudor failed to fire and withdrew from the final match of the series because of what appeared to be a hip complaint. "Alex is a fine prospect but has to get fit and then stay fit," was the gist of England's verdict as they discounted him from their winter tours. Even worse, some people believed the problems were as much in Tudor's mind as his body.

Happily, the answer to that second point became obvious when his injury was diagnosed as a pelvic condition by the name of osteitis pubis.

And now, having been given an exercise regime to follow on a daily basis, Tudor is ready, willing and hopefully able to give England what they want with regard to the first point.

"I'm feeling good," he said this week. "We know what caused the problem and if I work on my exercises every day then, touch wood, everything will continue to be fine."

Far from missing out last winter, Tudor may have gained plenty. He joined the Academy squad, made progress in Australia under the eagle eye of head coach Rod Marsh and has hit the ground running this season. Fifteen wickets from Surrey's first three championship matches were enough to earn a place in England's squad for the opening Test.

He received even better news on the morning of the match when captain Hussain told him he was 12th man, for the flattest Lord's pitch in recent memory suited the Sri Lankan batsmen a lot better than the English bowlers. "I was just pleased I'd achieved my first aim of starting the season well with Surrey," said Tudor.

Now the spotlight shifts to Edgbaston where, three years ago, he scored 99 not out as a nightwatchman during England's win over New Zealand.

The signs are he will make the team this week, probably as one of five bowlers. If so, Tudor's form and fitness suggest that, this time, he really could be around to stay.

"When I've played Test cricket I've done quite well and feel like I belong there," he said. "If I can keep the body in tip-top shape then hopefully the rest should take care of itself."

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