HE made no attempt to keep them at Hampshire this year, but Rod Bransgrove is hoping Chris Tremlett and Kevin Pietersen shine for England during the Ashes.

Tremlett left Hampshire for Surrey in January after being persuaded to revive his career at The Oval.

Bransgrove believed playing in a new environment was best for the fast bowler’s career, which had stagnated at The Rose Bowl.

Tremlett’s response was outstanding – 48 first-class wickets at 20.18.

Having been rewarded for the most prolific season of his career with a place in England’s Ashes squad, Tremlett strengthened his chances with a haul of 4 for 54 on the opening day of the last warm-up match against Australia A in Hobart.

Bransgrove believes Surrey manager Chris Adams was a significant factor in Tremlett’s improvement.

“I spoke to Chris a lot about the Tremlett situation because we weren’t as likely to get as much out of him,” said the Hampshire chairman. “I was pleased it worked out and I still get excited watching him play for Surrey.

“Sometimes you have to look beyond the boundaries of your own county.”

Pietersen’s Hampshire association was over six months after Tremlett’s Rose Bowl departure.

His career with the county was untenable once he revealed living in Chelsea limited his availability.

“I was disappointed in him,” said Bransgrove. “I never gave him permission to move to Chelsea, I wasn’t even asked.”

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