Kent captain Rob Key says James Tredwell’s call-up to the England squad in South Africa means the county must prepare for the prospect of being without him this summer.

Tredwell was added to the squad for the Test series last month having also previously been in the one-day squad.

Key said: "Personally I think Treddy is the next England spinner after Graeme Swann, ahead of Adil Rashid.

"Most punters probably think that and I think that’s the way England are looking at it as well.

"Taking 60-plus wickets last season was a massive achievement and the call-up was fully deserved.

"Min Patel also deserves a lot of credit as well. He was always one of the shrewdest players I have played with and he struck a chord with Treddy, not only technically but tactically as well."