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Chris Tremlett: The Hampshire Giant Who Conquered Australia
Chris Tremlett: The Hampshire Giant Who Conquered Australia
For one glorious summer, Chris Tremlett stood tallest when it mattered most, and the Ashes came home.
Hampshire hero Chris Tremlett, with his intimidating 6’ 7” frame and coming from a legacy of cricketers, was set up perfectly to be a commanding presence on the pitch. He was quick and accurate, taking over 500 wickets across formats before his injury-induced retirement in 2015.
Never the headline act, but he became an essential cog in an attack that dominated Australia on their own soil - his spells helping turn pressure into promise for one of England’s most complete Ashes triumphs.
Playing brilliantly across 200+ matches for Hampshire, Tremlett saw his greatest success in the 2010-2011 Ashes series in Australia.
The Perth Breakthrough (2010)
When Stuart Broad tore a side muscle in the second Test at Adelaide, Tremlett got his chance in Perth. It couldn't have been a better venue. The WACA's renowned bounce was tailor-made for a bowler of his height, and he delivered. Taking three for 63 in the first innings and five for 87 in the second. Although England lost the Test, Tremlett had announced his arrival.
Boxing Day Brilliance
What followed were the two finest performances of his career. On Boxing Day 2010 at the MCG, with 68,727 spectators packing the ground, Tremlett set the tone from the start. After Shane Watson survived being dropped twice, Tremlett's bounce caught him unawares, gloved to Kevin Pietersen in the gully. Captain Ricky Ponting followed soon after, Tremlett finding the perfect length to have him caught behind.
"I set the tone by getting Watson and Ponting out at the MCG on Boxing Day," Tremlett recalled. "The pressure was on, but I returned and found some bounce to have Watson caught in the gully off the glove. The wicket really set the tone." Alongside James Anderson, Tremlett ripped through the Australian batting order, claiming four for 26 as the hosts were skittled for just 98, their lowest Ashes total at the MCG. England won by an innings and 157 runs.
Sydney Success and Series Glory
At the Sydney Cricket Ground for the fifth Test, with the Ashes already secured, Tremlett bowled one of his most memorable deliveries. Mitchell Johnson, under immense pressure, came to the crease in Australia's second innings with the Barmy Army in full voice. "I bowled a good 90mph ball first up to knock back his off-stump and put me on a hat-trick," Tremlett remembered. "It was such a great feeling which I'll never forget."
The final act belonged to Tremlett, too. On day five, he took the wicket of Michael Beer, bowling him for two, to secure England's victory by an innings and 83 runs. It was the third time in the series England had won by an innings, and the first time a touring side had achieved that feat in a single Ashes series.
In those three Tests at Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, Tremlett took 17 wickets at an average of 23.35. He had been the difference - his height, pace and bounce proving unplayable on Australian pitches. "It's something I'm hugely proud of and something I will certainly tell the grandkids about in the future," he said.
A Hampshire Hero Forever
For Hampshire supporters, Tremlett's Ashes heroics brought special pride. He was the first Hampshire-born Hampshire county cricketer to play a Test in England. His development at Northlands Road and under coaches like Barry Reed, who helped nurture him through the colts system, showcased the club's youth development at its finest.
His father, Tim Tremlett, continues to work at Hampshire, now as Cricket Secretary, maintaining the family's connection to the club that spans generations. When supporters see Chris Tremlett's name in the records, they remember not just the towering paceman who helped England win the Ashes Down Under, but a Hampshire lad who made good on the biggest stage of all.
That Boxing Day at the MCG, with England dismantling Australia and Tremlett leading the charge, represented the pinnacle of his career. "I don't really ever watch these moments back," he said, "but when they come on the TV I always think that they're pretty amazing. It's a bit weird thinking that that's me celebrating on the screen."
Chris Tremlett and the Ashes both came home.
Be Part of History in 2027
The Ashes have always delivered unforgettable moments. In 2027, Hampshire will host its first Men's Ashes Test when England takes on Australia at Utilita Bowl.
