'Twiggy' is having a tiring winter ...

England's National Academy arrived in Sydney to play a four-day match against the New South Wales Institute of Sport, and our boys, including the familiar face of Chris Tremlett, played their part in an excellent match.

It not only gave us some entertainment during the afternoons, as we watched some of the game which was played at the scenic seaside pitch in Coogee, but also a chance to catch up with some cricketing friends.

In particular, it was great to see Chris 'Twiggy' Tremlett, the giant Hampshire lad who has been progressing and impressing during his second stint with the Academy.

This is the second winter in which the Academy, based in Adelaide and run by Aussie legend Rod Marsh, has taken the place of the previous England 'A' Tour.

It is aimed at getting the best 15 or 16 young players from around the counties together in a training environment which will test their skill and application to the game, as well as improving their abilities and hopefully providing England with the next generation of Test stars.

It's a great idea, and given the successful production line of players from the Australian Academy - the likes of Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting to name a few - then it must be a step in the right direction for England.

And it was Marsh himself that laid the foundations for the Australian set-up, so who better to have at the helm for the old enemy!

I had a chat with the man himself as he strolled round the boundary, and he seemed generally happy with the English participants.

"They are certainly all working hard," he commented. "But not necessarily thinking hard, which is something that needs to improve."

This view was compound by 'Twiggy' as he spoke of Marsh's attitude towards the young 'Poms' in the Academy.

"Rod obviously did a great job with the Australian Academy, and we've learnt plenty from him," he admitted.

"He's a good bloke, but he's very tough, and works us hard and makes sure our discipline and attitudes are right.

"But more than that, he wants to make us into thinking cricketers.

"For example, he wants all the guys to be able to turn up at a new ground and make assessments that will affect their performance.

"Like a fast bowler being able to read the pitch and say 'this is a slow, flat wicket so I might have to vary my pace a bit more today, bowl a few slower balls', or a batsman thinking 'it looks fast and bouncy, I'll have to be careful if I hook or pull'.

"He's really good like that, and obviously has loads of experience."

'Twiggy' bowled really well in the second innings, and took 3-40 as the English lads pushed for victory on the last day.

They managed to get NSW to 200/9, as the Aussies chased 260 for victory, but just couldn't take the last wicket.

"It was a good game," Tremlett continued, "and seeing as most of these blokes are 2nd XI players, the fact that they gave us a good game shows that there is plenty of talent over here."

The Academy boys have been training hard all winter, and have played matches in Adelaide, Sydney and Perth - where they had a match against the Full England side.

Whilst back at base in Adelaide, though, Twiggy assured me that the training was a full-time job. They might even put in more hours than us AusCricket Academy students here in Sydney!

"Before Christmas it was full-on during the week," he explained. "We would be up before 7am, and do an hour or so of fitness, then have breakfast, before heading to the nets which ran either side of lunch.

"In the afternoon there would be a weights session, and then either stretching and yoga, or some form of recovery. We were normally kept busy 'til about 5 or 6 o clock."

During the game in Sydney, Nottinghamshire wicket-keeper Chris Read really caught the eye. Not only did he produce a tidy performance behind the sticks, but also an awesome first innings knock of 180!

"'Ready' has been the best player in the Academy," Tremlett opined. "He has really stood out with both bat and gloves, and I think he should be playing for England now.

"He's better than James Foster, and I think he should be Alec Stewart's replacement.

"There are some good young prospects here, and that hopefully bodes well for England.

"Jimmy Anderson was superb and deserved his call up, and I rate Ricky Clarke (Surrey's 21-year-old all rounder) as a really good three-dimensional cricketer.

"Warwickshire's Jim Troughton (left-handed 22-year-old batsman) is a very exciting and attacking player who I also think will go far."

So the set-up and players seem to be all going in the right direction for the Academy, and hopefully the rewards will be reaped in the coming years.

We certainly need them to. I can't stand the Aussies as they keep on saying we're rubbish!

The final piece of the winter programme for 'Twiggy' is a tour to Sri Lanka, where the Academy side will play against the host country's academy, under-19s and 'A' team during the four-week stay.

"I'm feeling really fit and I am bowling well, so with a few games under my belt in Sri Lanka I should be well set for the coming Hampshire season," Tremlett remarked.

"I've got a good feeling about this year, with Shane Warne as captain and Paul Terry the coach. I think we'll do well and regain our spot in Division One."

It's good to hear the big fella in such confident mood, and hopefully all of our squad will be as eager for success as he is.

I know I am.