KENT’S rookie bowler James Tredwell has been invited to skipper England A and transform the fortunes of a disappointing tour of India.

The Ashford-born off-spinner, who turns 22 on February 27, secured the promotion after a hand injury forced appointed tour skipper Alex Gidman to fly home.

Tredwell, who made his first-class debut for Kent at Leicestershire in 2001, has previous captaincy experience with Kent 2nd and against the West Indies for England Under-19s.

He will do well to turn things around, however, after Tuesday’s fourth successive defeat of the trip drew harsh criticism from ECB Academy director and tour boss Rod Marsh.

The former Australian wicketkeeper blasted his young tourists, saying: “They've had it too easy for too long, some of these guys. There is a distinct lack of discipline.

“Maybe people don't like hearing the truth, but I can't see what's wrong with telling the truth.

“Every time something goes wrong, they have a team meeting then think the problem is solved," added Marsh.

“They are the only ones who can help themselves and until they realise that there’s no point in them being here.”