THE Ledbury family of England's new cricket hero James Kirtley watched with delight as he shattered South Africa's batting.

Kirtley had a dream debut for England as the team wrapped up a tense Third Test win at Trent Bridge on Monday.

The Sussex paceman was given the Man of the Match award, after taking two wickets in the first innings and then 6-34 in the second.

Watching was Averelle Nicklin (pictured), from John Lee Road, who said she burst into tears as he made headlines. She has even had a T-shirt made that says 'I'm James Kirtley's auntie'.

Mrs Nicklin says she watched every stroke of the game, describing it as incredible.

"I'm so proud of him," she said. "I've watched his career over the years and he finally made it, it's superb."

Mrs Nicklin and her family are now hoping to get tickets for the final game of the series at The Oval next month, where she hopes to congratulate her nephew in person.

James' success follows a darker period in his career. In October 2001, an umpire reported his bowling action to the International Cricket Council after his one-day debut in Zimbabwe.

He was later cleared of any wrongdoing by the England and Wales Cricket Board but has only now been able to resume his international career.

"He will be so proud and so vindicated," said Mrs Nicklin. "He's hung in there and waited his turn and richly deserved it. It's wonderful for the family.