England paceman Chris Tremlett is desperate to play against former county cricket teammate Shane Watson in the Ashes series beginning this month.

The Australian allrounder is in a race against time to be fit for the first Test after injuring his hamstring during the final match of the one-day series in India.

Tremlett and Watson played together at Hampshire and the giant paceman says the Australian No.3 would be doing everything to be ready for the Gabba.

“He’s a big player for Australia and we want to play against Australia’s best players so hopefully he gets well soon,” Tremlett told AAP in Hobart.

“I’m a bowler who’s had a lot of injuries and I think for anyone it’s very frustrating.

“I’m sure he’ll be working hard to be fit to get back for the first Test match.”

The 32-year-old Englishman will be in a three-way battle with fellow quicks Boyd Rankin and Steve Finn when England play Australia A at Bellerive from Wednesday.

Tremlett was impressive on England’s Ashes-winning 2010-11 tour, claiming 17 wickets in three matches at an average of just 23.35.

Big guns Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann are expected to play in the second of the touring side’s three warm-up matches.

“We can use these practice games as a little bit of a rotation policy for bowlers and so each batsman can try and get some time in the middle,” Tremlett said.

“Alastair Cook had a bit of a back problem the last game but he’s absolutely fine now and I think all the other guys are raring to go.

“I’m sure we’ll see all those main guys playing in this game and probably the next game as well.”

Cool conditions and a green-tinged pitch have greeted England in Hobart but 24 degrees is forecast for day one at Bellerive.