England selector Geoff Miller might not have been able to give Chris Adams much hope that he will win back his international place when the pair had dinner together last week.

But there is no doubt that the Sussex captain took the opportunity to press the claims of team-mate James Kirtley.

Miller saw for himself that Kirtley is in prime early season form when he took 6-26, his best figures for two years, in the Championship win over Kent at Hove last week.

It took Kirtley's haul to 16 wickets in two Championship games so far and offered further evidence, if any were needed, that he remains a skilled operator in English conditions.

He played the last of his nine one-day internationals during the VB Series in Australia last winter, but has made no secret of his desire to re-launch his England career when the NatWest Series against Pakistan and Zimbabwe gets underway next month.

Kirtley, who is closing in on 200 wickets in one-day cricket, was dropped after playing against the Australians in Sydney and Melbourne, but says he still gained much from watching the kings of the one day game at close quarters.

"I have always had ambitions to play for England and this season is no different," he said.

"I believe I have learned an awful lot from watching Australia and 12 one-day internationals.

"I'm sure if I get the chance again I would come back a much more canny and clued-up cricketer. In the meantime, all I can do is keep taking wickets and getting good players out."