James Kirtley, the Sussex fast bowler, has been called up for England's one-day squad for the VB Series against Australia and Sri Lanka in December and January. Kirtley, 27, has played seven ODIs for England since making his debut in Zimbabwe in 2001, but his career has been hampered by mutterings about his bowling action. Kirtley joins the one-day specialists who were named in September – Ian Blackwell (Somerset), Paul Collingwood (Durham), Ronnie Irani (Essex), Nick Knight (Warwickshire), Owais Shah (Middlesex), and Leicestershire's recent signing Jeremy Snape. Craig White was originally part of that group, but was later added to the Test squad.

The full one-day party (the rest will come from the current Test squad) will be named nearer the start of the VB Series, which starts on December 13.

David Graveney, England's chairman of selectors, said: "With Darren Gough now unable to play in the VB Series, James has been chosen. He played in the NatWest Series last summer and I am sure he will play a full part in the upcoming series in Australia."

Kirtley himself said: "This will be my first playing tour of Australia and I'm delighted to be a part of the squad. It gives me the opportunity to play against the some of the best players in the world on some of the best pitches in the world, so it is the ultimate test for me. It is sad that Goughie is unfit, but it gives me a chance to show what I can do.

"I got married three weeks ago and I had planned a quiet winter at home, having been away for the last four winters. But this has now changed, it's been a great surprise."

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