Sussex skipper Chris Adams today urged the England selectors to keep faith with James Kirtley.

There is speculation that Kirtley may lose his place in the one-day squad for the forthcoming NatWest Series against New Zealand and West Indies when it is announced later this week.

Kirtley bowled just six overs during the rain-affected one-day series in the West Indies earlier this year and has struggled to recapture his best form since returning to county duty last month.

The 29-year-old has taken just four wickets in five limited overs games for Sussex this season and conceded 272 runs in 43 overs, although there were signs that his confidence was returning in Sunday's totesport League win over Somerset.

Adams said: "James is a player who is trying to rediscover himself at the moment. In international cricket he has been through the whole range of emotions in the past 12 months.

"He came back to us perhaps disappointed that more opportunities didn't come his way in the West Indies and he hasn't quite hit his straps yet.

"But he's never let England down. I know that international cricket is a big test of character. You need a big heart and James has got that and I hope the selectors don't forget it.

"If England are going to be a better one-day side then they need players like James."

Kirtley is desperate to add to his 11 ODI appearances for his country.

"They know they can rely on me and for the selectors that's a nice position to be in," he said.

"I believe I can compete in both forms of the game.

"It's just a case of getting ahead in the pecking order if someone gets injured or loses form."