By Anna Thompson and Martin Gough

Kirtley took two key wickets with Lancashire set to win

There were times last winter when James Kirtley feared his career was over.

Making an appearance at Hove, let alone Lord's, seemed a long way off.

And a Man of the Match performance, which Sussex captain Chris Adams described as being like "Andrew Flintoff in a Test", to win the C&G Trophy was beyond dreaming.

Kirtley, who took eight wickets on Test debut against South Africa at Trent Bridge in 2003, has experienced the highs the game has to offer.

But he has also experienced the depths, as his bowling action has been reported as illegal four times.

What he went through was the most traumatic thing I have ever witnessed in my life Ian Gould Former Sussex wicket-keeper

Last winter looked like the worst of the lot as he was banned for five months until he could prove his elbow was straight enough during delivery to conform to regulations.

Umpire Ian Gould, the former Sussex wicket-keeper, saw Kirtley regularly as he worked in the indoor school with coach Mark Robinson daily during the off-season.

"After the accusations of throwing, what he went through was the most traumatic thing I have ever witnessed in my life," Gould told BBC Sport.

"He went through all sorts of traumas, where he got it right one day but it wasn't quite right the next day.

"I watched the lad almost in tears because he thought his career was finished."

Even when he was cleared in March, Kirtley's confidence had taken a massive blow and he has played in just five of Sussex's 13 County Championship matches this year.

"I did have doubts about returning. I had dark moments," the bowler admitted.

"It was fighting those demons in my head. I still had things that would be a distraction.

"But I knew if I could clear my mind, I was confident I was going to deliver."

He has got more character, more fight and belief then any cricketer I have played with Chris Adams

Back in the national spotlight at the home of cricket, and with all eyes on his elbow, Kirtley stepped up in style, taking his first three wickets in seven balls.

Mal Loye was punished for swatting Kirtley into the stand for six when he missed a delivery that jagged back off the seam to be trapped lbw.

In the next over, Nathan Astle was trapped in front and Stuart Law was given out lbw next ball.

Replays showed an edge off the Australian's bat but many would argue Kirtley deserved a slice of luck.

With Lancashire odds-on for victory, Adams turned to Kirtley again and his inswinger accounted for Tom Smith and, to spark the celebrations, Murali Kartik.

"He was awesome," said Adams. "He has got more character, more fight and belief then any cricketer I have played with."

Kirtley said: "To hear those words is very special. It was my day. This is repaying all the staff at Sussex who have supported me 100%."

The 31-year-old could arguably have played more than his four Tests and 11 one-day internationals but for the concerns over his action.

If England coach Duncan Fletcher decides to place his faith in him again, Adams has no doubts.

"If he does pull an England shirt on again, this man will deliver."