James Tredwell will link up with the England Test squad this weekend after being drafted in as cover.

Tredwell has been put on standby to play in the last two Test matches against India if either Graeme Swann or Monty Panesar are injured.

The Kent off-spinner, who will link up with England in Kolkata, could have a key role as England intend to play two spinners in each match in a bid to secure a series win in the sub-continent.

Tredwell said: "The wickets in India are looking like they're going to be spin friendly so if anything does happen to one of the two spinners there, I guess they want a ready replacement so they don't have to change the balance of the team."

"Both the other spinners played brilliantly in the second test and to see them bowl so well was fantastic and to win a game on a wicket like that is something to shout home about.

"I'm sure they (England) are on a massive high at the moment so it'll be a nice group to join."

It completes a whirlwind week for Tredwell, who followed up his appointment as Kent captain last week with a call-up on Wednesday to the 13-man England squad for the t20 and ODI series in India.

England play two t20 internationals in Pune and Mumbai on Thursday December 20 and Saturday 22 respectively before flying home for Christmas.

They then return in the New Year for five one-day internationals, beginning in Rajkot on Friday, January 11.

Speaking about his one-day call-up, Tredwell said: "I only heard about in the last couple of days but had an idea something might happen because I went to Dubai and have been on standby since the Test squad flew out.

"I am delighted and proud to be picked for my country and the opportunity of getting the chance to play is a huge thing."

The 30-year-old, who has played in nine ODIs, taking 11 wickets with a best of 4-48 against the West Indies at the World Cup in March 2011 in Chennai, replaces Swann who is resting.