THERE were few people more pleased for Chris Tremlett than Michael Brown after the fast bowler’s outstanding Ashes debut.

Tremlett’s former Hampshire teammate, current Surrey colleague and flatmate has witnessed him bounce back from being ignored by England and released by his home county to become a vital component of his country’s attack.

His display in Perth, where his haul of 8 for 150 was the one major positive of England's series-levelling defeat.

Brown believes Tremlett's move to Surrey has been a big factor in his improvement.

His 17-year association with his home county ended when Hampshire signed Kabir Ali at the beginning of the year, believing a move away from the Rose Bowl would give Tremlett the best chance of fulfilling his undoubted potential.

"He’s really benefited from a fresh start," said Brown. "The Rose Bowl’s a fantastic ground but in his last two seasons there, the pitches suited skiddier bowlers more than his pace and bounce.

"Moving counties was a good chance to create a new aura and that’s what he did. He grasped the opportunity with both hands and was the bowler everyone looked up to.

"He wasn’t fit for the first couple of games but got himself right and really led the attack for the rest of the season, on a very flat pitch for the majority of the time."

Brown, who left Hampshire for Surrey two years ago, is yet to play alongside Tremlett for the Brown Caps as he spent last season out injured.

But Tremlett’s performances were a tonic when Brown was sidelined with an elbow problem.

The former Taunton’s College schoolboy finished his debut season with 48 first-class wickets at 20.1, including a memorable performance against Derbyshire at Chesterfield at the end of June, when he claimed four for 94.

"The lads said he was immense that day," continued Brown. "Every bowler was going down injured except Goober, who bowled over after over and totally disproved the accusations that he has no heart.

"Those were serious accusations based on people’s perception of his body language. But just because he doesn’t scream, bawl and shout on the pitch doesn’t mean he doesn’t care.

"He’s very dedicated, I can’t speak highly enough of him - I’ve even seen him in the gym at 1.30am."

England rejection and being released by Hampshire have provided 29-year-old Tremlett with more motivation.

"He had unfinished business with England after doing well against India three years ago and being released by Hampshire just a couple of years after he had played for England was a dent to his pride," Brown continued.

"That’s not the main reason he’s doing well but he wanted to show them how good a bowler he can be."