CHRIS Tremlett's Ashes heroics ensured a memorable Christmas at the family home in Otterbourne.

The Hampshire product became the first Southampton-born Ashes winner when Australia were beaten by an innings and 157 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground – and there was no one prouder than his parents, Tim and Carolyn.

Tremlett’s contribution has been outstanding since replacing the injured Stuart Broad for the third Test a fortnight ago.

His haul of eight for 150 in Perth was tarnished by being in a losing cause, as Australia levelled the series.

But Tremlett was even better at the MCG, where he was unfortunate not to take more wickets than his five for 97.

Having taken four for 26 as Australia were routed for 98 in front of an 84,000-plus Boxing Day crowd, he produced several unplayable deliveries as the hosts began their second innings 415 behind.

When England began the fourth day needing three wickets to secure the urn, it was Tremlett who made the vital first breakthrough by bowling Mitchell Johnson.

“Chris coped very well with the pressure of bowling on the first day of a Boxing Day Test at the MCG,” said Tim, himself a former Hampshire and England A seamer.

“He was more nervous at Perth, that first game relaxed him and he bowled extremely well.

“Although he didn’t take a wicket on Tuesday day, he built up pressure which helped the team.

"The spirit’s very good among the players and they enjoy each other’s success.”

Tremlett snr is Hampshire’s cricket secretary, but believes his son’s move to Surrey a year ago has been a factor in his success.

“From my point of view, it’s disappointing he’s not playing for Hampshire but the move’s worked well for him.

“He was in a little bit of a comfort zone at Hampshire, a fresh challenge and the chance to lead the attack at another club has helped make a difference.

“The pitches at The Oval suit him more and he’s changed his fitness regime which has also helped as he’s lost bulk around his chest and shoulders.

“He’s bowling longer spells and has become more consistent.”

A late developer, Tremlett did not finish on the winning side in his first four Test appearances and had not started playing cricket when England last retained the Ashes in 1986/87.

But he will now always be remembered as an Ashes winner. And with a record of 26 wickets at 24 apiece from just five Tests, he is sure to be around for a while yet.

Tremlett, whose grandad Maurice played three Tests, began his cricket education as an eight-year-old at Top of the Hill Cricket Club in Otterbourne, nr Winchester.

“Cricket is obviously in Chris’s genes and his dad should take a lot of credit for his development,” says Ron Emery, who has coached the youngsters at Top of the Hill CC since it was formed by former Hampshire allrounder John Rice 30 years ago.

“I remember Tim saying Chris wanted to give cricket a go when he was eight years old and he was soon playing for the under-11s team, three years above his age group!

“With him in the side we had very strong team for a few years. He didn’t say a lot but would express himself through his batting and his bowling.

“He would bowl very straight and hit the ball very hard.

“One shot in particular has stayed in the memory – a six that he hit over some trees!

“I think Chris will go on to play a lot of Tests and he deserves it. When he wasn’t playing with us he would be practising down at the County Ground – he’s grown up with the game. I can’t see playing for England changing him because he’s so level headed.”

Tremlett’s Ashes heroics also have provided some Christmas holiday inspiration for pupils at Otterbourne Primary School, his alma mater.

Mike Graveling, now retired, was Tremlett’s head teacher during the 1980s.

He recalls: “Chris was our star cricketer and was also a very good goalkeeper for the school football team!

“He was a tall for his age even then and a good allround sportsman. Even at that age you could see he had a lot of talent but he was also a genuinely nice lad.

“He was always a mature boy and is such a good role model.”