Robin Smith believes England should hand Chris Tremlett his one-day international debut after tomorrow's ICC Champions Trophy final against the West Indies at the Oval.

The squad for England's tour of Zimababwe is announced next week and Tremlett is in contention after recovering from a metatarsal injury in time to play the last two championship games of Hampshire's season at Leicester and Derby.

Tremlett was in England's provisional squad of 30 for the ICC Champions Trophy and his recovery from his foot injury - and Steve Harmison's decision not to tour Zimbabwe on moral grounds - gives the selectors the perfect opportunity to blood him against a side weakened by the loss of its 'rebel' players.

Smith certainly thinks so.

England are due to arrive in Zimbabwe at the end of November for five ODIs in ten days - two in Harare followed by three in Bulawayo - before their Test series in South Africa

And former Hampshire captain Smith said: "Chris is ready.

"He's an outstanding talent and I believe he will rise to the occasion if he's tested at international level.

"He's developed and matured a lot in the last year.

"He's a had a few injuries but he's fit again now and a fit Chris Tremlett is a real threat.

"This would be a wonderful opportunity for him and for England and I would have total confidence in him if they did give him the opportunity."

Tremlett is currently planning on spending the rest of the year working on his fitness at the Rose Bowl before flying out to Perth in February.

But the 23-year-old has admitted that, if selected, he would jump at the chance to play international cricket in Zimbabwe.

He said: "If the opportunity was there I'd go.

"I'm still lacking a bit of match practice and am still not as fit as I was before the injury, but I felt a lot better at Derby last week."

Tremlett has taken 81 one-day wickets at 22.17, including 14 at 19.28 this season, which was his best in the championship (39 wickets at 22.23).

England, meanwhile, are preparing to play their first major cricket final since the 1992 World Cup when they take on the Windies at the Oval tomorrow.

Smith, who played in the final defeat against Pakistan 12 years ago, added: "It was an absolutely outstanding win against Australia.

"It wasn't just that they won the game but it was how they won it, they were the better side in every department.

"It was very professional, everyone contributes in this England team."

Meanwhile, Hampshire will begin their C & G Trophy campaign away to minor county Shropshire following yesterday's draw.

If they win, they travel again in round two - to either totesport League champions Glamorgan or Suffolk.