Bell set for Test recall as England name squad

Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell is set to get a Test recall as England today named a 13-man squad for next week's third match of the Ashes series at his Edgbaston home ground.

Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell is set to get a Test recall as England on Sunday named a 13-man squad for next week's third match of the Ashes series at his Edgbaston home ground.

HT Image

Bell is set to replace Kevin Pietersen in the side that won the second Test against Australia at Lord's by 115 runs to go 1-0 up in the series after the South Africa born batsman was ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series with an Achilles injury.

Fast bowler Stephen Harmison and left-arm spinner Monty Panesar have also been added to the XI that played at Lord's.

England selection chief Geoff Miller said: "The performance of the team at Lord's was outstanding and a convincing win was well deserved.

"We have obviously had to make a change to the side following Kevin Pietersen's unavailability and we wish Kevin the best with his rehabilitation and look forward to his return to the England team in due course.

"Kevin's injury has presented an opportunity for Ian Bell who we know is a top-class batsmen with an excellent international record for England.

"Ian will be looking to make the most of his return to the side during an Ashes series and while we have a strong idea of where he will bat we won't be disclosing the final line-up of the side until the toss on Thursday."

Miller also said he was confident of the fitness of Andrew Flintoff, the fast-bowling all-rounder who led England's attack at Lord's despite a troublesome knee injury.

"Andrew Flintoff's performance at Lord's was truly memorable and we are hopeful he can take his place in the side for the third Test as he continues to manage his knee injury," said Miller.

"Andrew and the medical staff are quite bullish about his prospects of playing but we'll continue to monitor his progress in the days leading up to Thursday."

England squad:

Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Ravi Bopara, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Matthew Prior (wkt), Andrew Flintoff, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Graham Onions, Stephen Harmison, Monty Panesar.