Chairman of selectors David Graveney today backed Sussex fast bowler James Kirtley to be a success in next month's Champions Trophy.

Kirtley was named as the replacement for Darren Gough, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the summer after suffering a recurrence of his knee problem, having fully recovered from the broken hand which ended his NatWest Series participation midway through the tournament.

Kirtley played in the first three matches of the series before suffering the injury when he was hit whilst bowling in the nets by Gloucestershire all-rounder Jeremy Snape.

Graveney said: "James was unfortunate to miss out on the remainder of the NatWest Series, but now has a further opportunity to press his claims for a regular place in the squad ahead of the one-day series in Australia and the World Cup.

"We have seen that he has good pace, can bowl well at the 'death' in one-day cricket and is an excellent all-round fielder.

"We feel he can only improve still further by going to Sri Lanka and gaining experience of conditions on the sub-continent."

Kirtley's call-up means he will miss Sussex's final match of the season against Warwickshire at Hove which starts on September 18.