Uncapped England duo called up for fifth Test
Woakes, Kerrigan included in squad for Ashes finale.
Woakes was brought in after Tim Bresnan was ruled out for the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his back. PHOTO: AFP
LONDON:
England included the uncapped duo of Chris Woakes and Simon Kerrigan in a 14-man squad announced yesterday for next week’s fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia at The Oval.
Woakes was brought in after Tim Bresnan was ruled out for the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his back.
And with pitches at The Oval renowned for taking turn, Kerrigan was added to give England – who’ve now won three successive Test series against Australia for the first time since the 1950s – an extra spin option in addition to off-break bowler Graeme Swann.
England also gave themselves further fast-bowling choices with the inclusion of Chris Tremlett, and Middlesex’s Steven Finn, dropped after the 14-run first Test win over Australia at Trent Bridge.
“The inclusion of five pace bowlers as well as an additional spinner gives (coach) Andy Flower and (captain) Alastair Cook plenty of options once they have assessed the conditions at the Kia Oval,” said England national selector Geoff Miller.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 19th, 2013.
England included the uncapped duo of Chris Woakes and Simon Kerrigan in a 14-man squad announced yesterday for next week’s fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia at The Oval.
Woakes was brought in after Tim Bresnan was ruled out for the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his back.
And with pitches at The Oval renowned for taking turn, Kerrigan was added to give England – who’ve now won three successive Test series against Australia for the first time since the 1950s – an extra spin option in addition to off-break bowler Graeme Swann.
England also gave themselves further fast-bowling choices with the inclusion of Chris Tremlett, and Middlesex’s Steven Finn, dropped after the 14-run first Test win over Australia at Trent Bridge.
“The inclusion of five pace bowlers as well as an additional spinner gives (coach) Andy Flower and (captain) Alastair Cook plenty of options once they have assessed the conditions at the Kia Oval,” said England national selector Geoff Miller.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 19th, 2013.