Tredwell in the frame for Test

England could be tempted to break with tradition and play two spinners against Bangladesh after James Tredwell produces a compelling case for his inclusion.

England could be tempted to break with tradition and play two spinners in a Test match for the first time since the first Ashes match of last summer after James Tredwell produced a compelling case for his inclusion yesterday. The Kent off-break bowler took six wickets on day one of England's three-day match against Bangladesh A. The visitors closed the day on 68 for three in reply to the hosts' 202.

With England's seam resources at full stretch following a spate of injuries, the selectors will be seriously considering playing Tredwell on Friday in tandem with Graeme Swann on a Chittagong pitch conducive to spin. "Swanny is obviously going to play in the first Test because he's done very well in the last 12 months and now hopefully I've just put myself out there for selection," said Tredwell. While Alastair Cook, the stand-in captain, will be pleased with his spin options, concern continues to mount over the form of Kevin Pietersen.

The powerful right-hander was dismissed by Mehrab Hossain Jr, the part-time spinner who had previously managed 45 wickets in 46 first-class appearances, for just two yesterday. He has now made scores of nought, six, one, 18 and 22 since arriving in Dhaka. And this is on the back of a fallow series in South Africa where he averaged only 25. "Kevin is a top batsman, we know that, and I don't think a couple of low scores should affect that," said Tredwell.

"He actually made scores in the two Twenty20s in Dubai [Pietersen made 43 not out and 62 against Pakistan]. "He's obviously hitting the ball well and we know he'll keep working hard. "I'm sure a big score will be just around the corner." * With agencies