Hampshire beneficiary Alan Mullally believes that Chris Tremlett should be handed his Test debut against Bangladesh in four months' time - so he is ready to help England win back the Ashes this summer.

England are currently playing the fifth and final Test against South Africa in Pretoria, and only have two Tests left before the Ashes series begins in July.

Both are against Bangladesh, with the first at Lord's on May 26.

Mullally, who launched his benefit with a dinner at the Rose Bowl last night, believes that Tremlett must play so he is prepared to take on the Aussies on July 21.

The former England left-armer, 35, said: "Simon Jones and James Anderson haven't really come to the party during this series but Chris will be ready for Test cricket this summer.

"Matthew Hoggard bowled beautifully in Johannesburg and Steve Harmison, showed that he is close to his best but we do need someone else to come in and assist them.

"Andy Flintoff is the best all-rounder in the world and hits the deck hard, Hoggy is a fantastic swing bowler, and Chris is even taller than Harmy so, if he was to join them, it would be a potentially devastating attack, with Ashley Giles providing the left-arm spin."

Two years ago, former academy director Rod Marsh compared Tremlett, now aged 23, to Angus Fraser, but Mullally believes that the time has now come for the 6ft 7in former Taunton's School pupil to make the step up to the world stage. He added: "Ideally, Chris will be eased into the team before the Ashes and the games against Bangladesh provide the selectors with the perfect opportunity to do so. He's a serious talent that the England hierarchy need to develop. He's got everything in front of him.

"He improved a lot last year and when he gets it right he bowls seriously quick and as well as an excellent heavy ball.

"And his dedication is superb, he's out in Perth working hard at the moment and I'm sure he'll be ready for the step up in a few months' time."

Mullally believes that Tremlett is the England team's missing link - and that the rest of the side will be close to the current XI when the first Ashes Test begins at Lord's in six months' time.

He added: "Robert Key has come in for some criticism but he's a good player, Andrew Strauss has been awesome, Marcus Trescothick was superb in Johannesburg, and it was great to see Michael Vaughan showing his class and coming back into form in the last Test.

"Graham Thorpe is world class, Geraint Jones's batting is excellent and he's improving all the time as a wicketkeeper so it should be an Ashes series to remember."

Mullally's next benefit function is a Gentlemen's Evening at Stringfellows, London, on February 23. Details from www.alanmullally.com.