Former Kent captain James Tredwell spoke of his pride after being called up to the England squad for the final Test of the Ashes series Down Under following the retirement of Graeme Swann.

Spinner Swann, 34, quit First Class cricket in the early hours of Sunday with England 3-0 down in the Ashes series ahead of the fourth Test in Melbourne, which starts on Boxing Day.

Tredwell, 31, was included in the England ODI squad for five ODIs and three t20 internationals in January and February and was set to fly out to Melbourne on January 1 ahead of a training camp before the first ODI at the MCG on January 12.

However his flight Down Under has now been brought forward to allow him to take his place in the Test squad for the 5th Test which starts on January 3.

Durham spinner Scott Borthwick, 23, has been called into the England set-up as cover ahead of the Melbourne Test, and will also be available for the Sydney clash.

Speaking after being summoned by the ECB, Tredwell said: "I've been fortunate to have been involved in a few cricketing trips to Australia and it’s great to be involved again."It’s a huge honour to be selected, it makes me massively proud and I hope to play my part."He's (Swann) been a hugely fine performer for our country. Obviously there may be some opportunities for some people, and they may play two spinners. I'm looking forward to being in the right shape to play if needed."

Tredwell heard news of Swann’s retirement as it broke on TV while he tended to new-born son Samuel early on Sunday morning.

He said: “I have to say I was surprised, I had heard whispers about him maybe stepping back from the one-day game, but I didn’t see this coming.

“He has been the main man over the last six or seven years and they are very big shoes to fill.

“I would imagine (Monty Panesar) will probably fill them in the immediate future, but I believe I have shown in the past couple of years that I am capable of playing at this level and it would be nice to have another go at proving it."

Tredwell made his Test debut against Bangladesh in March 2010, taking four wickets on his only appearance, while he did not get a start despite being called-up to the squad for the tour of New Zealand last winter.