Drafted into the England squad as a replacement for Darren Gough, England and Sussex bowling sensation James Kirtley confirmed that he feels part of the set-up and is ready to go. Cricket365's Anthony Pascoe caught up with the man who's controversial action has sometimes seen him making headlines for the wrong reasons.

1. Reports indicate that you were not always a fast bowler. When did you start bowling fast and what were you first?
I suppose I was a medium bowler but one winter when I was about 15 I just suddenly started bowling a whole lot faster.

2. What influence did your time in Africa - coaching in Namibia and at Mashonaland in Zimbabwe - have on your development?
There is a great deal of responsibility in playing overseas, you look to help others' games and not just concentrate on your own, this developed a greater awareness of the game in general.

3. Who have been the biggest influences on your career?
My coach at school, Jim Andrew and ex-sussex player Neil Lenham.

4. Did the 'throwing' issue damage your confidence? Are you completely over it now or will it always be in the back of your mind?
As far as I am concerned the matter is settled. My confidence did take a knock and it will always be a story to the media but that's something I will just have to accept and get on with the game. I can't let it be a distraction.

5. England cricket is definitely on the rise. What is the vibe like in the camp at the moment?
The vibe is very upbeat and positive. Anyone who comes into the set-up is definitely treated as an International cricketer from the word go, there is great respect.

6. Who or what has been the key behind the English cricket renaissance?
The management team led by Nasser Hussain and Duncan Fletcher have had a huge influence on the upturn of the english game, they have a thoroughly professional attitude.

7. The Ashes and the World Cup are on the horizon, can England challenge and win?
Yes, they can. But I think that the key players must be fully fit as this will play a huge part on the team's results.

8. Test cricket is everybody's ultimate goal. Are you happy to be regarded as a ODI player or is a Test cap still your ultimate ambition?
I have always been very proud to play for England in the ODI squad but a Test cap is my ambition. I have taken over 50 wickets in the last five consecutive years in the Championship format and I believe the weight of wickets should put me up for consideration.

9. You have captained Sussex before, did you enjoy the responsibility and would you enjoy the opportunity to skipper the side again?
I am incredibly proud to have captained the County of my birth. It's always a challenge and one I thoroughly enjoy.

10. Cricket is both a physical and a mental game - what aspects of cricket do you enjoy most?
The atmosphere in the dressing room after a hard fought victory is the ultimate, there is little that can compare to it in the game. I enjoy the strategies behind the game and that one has to be able to adapt at a moment's notice depending on the myriad of factors affecting that match be it players, ground conditions, weather etc. It is always a challenge.