Former Kent paceman Martin McCague has paid tribute to Amjad Khan for forcing his way into the England set-up.

Khan, who made his Kent debut in 2001, has fought his way back from a career-threatening knee injury and could make his Test debut against India in Chennai on Thursday after being called up as a replacement for the injured Ryan Sidebottom.

McCague, who played three matches for England and took four wickets when he made his Test debut against Australia in 1993, said: “Amjad has worked very hard to come back from the injury which ruled him out for the entire 2007 season. It is hard to break into the England squad when you come from an unfashionable county like Kent.

“He hits the bat a lot harder than you think and, when he gets it right, is up there with the quickest bowlers in the world.”

McCague, who took 388 first class wickets during his 10-year Kent career which ended in 2001, added: “It was a long time ago when I made my England debut but it is a great honour to have those three lions on your shirt.

“The selectors have got to look forward. Amjad has obviously made a good impression and it is great news when a Kent player represents England.

“The pitches in India are quite placid for fast bowlers. Amjad has the ability to reverse swing the ball and that might give him the nod on Thursday.”