James Kirtley admits he is still enjoying the attention which has followed since his astonishing catch during England's one-day international against India.

The Sussex fast bowler, who faces the Indians for the second time at Chester-le-Street today in England's fourth match in the NatWest Series, took one of the greatest catches seen at headquarters when he snapped up Sourav Ganguly in the first match between the two countries on Saturday.

Kirtley ran ten yards at long on before diving full-length to grab the ball inches from the turf with his left hand as it moved away from him at the same time.

Those who witnessed it rate Kirtley's effort one of the best three catches made at Lord's.

He said: "It's hard to describe how I felt when I realised the catch had stuck. I'm not sure it's the best moment of my career, but you could say it was my own champagne moment.

"I remember that I picked up the ball quite early which isn't always that easy because of the background at Lord's.

"I thought I would look ridiculous if I pulled out of the catch when I was committed to it so it was a great feeling when I managed to hang on to it."

Kirtley has played in all three matches in a series which so far has been dominated by the batsmen.

His best performance came in the opening game against Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge a week ago when he removed Chaminda Vaas and Nuwan Zoysa with successive balls and came within an inch of a hat-trick when an inside edge from Dilhara Fernando flashed past his leg stump.

Kirtley went wicketless in India's six wicket win on Saturday and again bowled without much luck on Tuesday when the England attack were on the receiving end of a brutal assualt from Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya who made 112. Kirtley only bowled six overs, but he did send down the only maiden of the match.

He said: "I'm pleased with the way it has gone. With all the runs that have been scored it's a fairly explosive environment but I'm enjoying being very much part of it.

"I was a bit nervous at Trent Bridge which I suppose is understandable, but I settled down and it would have been nice to get a hat-trick.

"I was pleased with the way I bowled at Lord's. I stuck to my game plan and it would have been nice to get a wicket.

"Tuesday was just incredible. For sheer bold hitting I don't remember playing against as good as Jayasuriya. He had a bit of luck because he was caught off a no ball and we could have run him out a couple of times, but it was still a great innings.

"I've just concentrated on backing myself and not worrying too much about what's going on around me, I just try and stay composed."

Kirtley was due to come in at No. 9 in England's successful run chase on Tuesday but Darren Gough promoted himself up the order and hit the winning runs as England got home by three wickets in the last over.

Gough, who returned to the side after recovering from a knee operation, also took three wickets and has been offering advice to the more inexperienced members of the attack such as Kirtley.

"I don't know who writes Goughie's scripts," added Kirtley.

"It could only happen to him to take three wickets on his home ground and hit the winning runs. Hopefully I'll have a few days like that myself soon."