Bell replaces injured Pietersen for 3rd Ashes Test
Monday, 27 July 2009
LONDON, July 26 (AP): England selectors called up batsman Ian Bell to face Australia in the third Test after Kevin Pietersen was ruled out of the rest of the Ashes series following Achilles surgery.
But no extra batting cover was drafted into the squad as selectors retained the same players who featured in England's 115-run win over Australia at Lord's.
England leads the series 1-0 with three tests remaining.
"The performance of the team at Lord's was outstanding, and a convincing win was well deserved," England and Wales Cricket Board national selector Geoff Miller said Sunday. "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 lineup of the side until the toss Thursday. Although we haven't named any extra batting
cover in the squad, we have several options should the need arise to call in another batsmen."
England is optimistic that Andrew Flintoff, who claimed a five-wicket haul in the second test at Lord's, will be able to play at Edgbaston from Thursday, despite the knee injury which will end his test career after this series.
"Andrew Flintoff's performance at Lord's was truly memorable, and we hope he can take his place in the side for the third Test as he continues to manage his knee injury," Miller said. "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.
"Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar once again come into the squad, and both players provide us with cover and exciting options within the bowling attack."
But no extra batting cover was drafted into the squad as selectors retained the same players who featured in England's 115-run win over Australia at Lord's.
England leads the series 1-0 with three tests remaining.
"The performance of the team at Lord's was outstanding, and a convincing win was well deserved," England and Wales Cricket Board national selector Geoff Miller said Sunday. "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 lineup of the side until the toss Thursday. Although we haven't named any extra batting
cover in the squad, we have several options should the need arise to call in another batsmen."
England is optimistic that Andrew Flintoff, who claimed a five-wicket haul in the second test at Lord's, will be able to play at Edgbaston from Thursday, despite the knee injury which will end his test career after this series.
"Andrew Flintoff's performance at Lord's was truly memorable, and we hope he can take his place in the side for the third Test as he continues to manage his knee injury," Miller said. "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.
"Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar once again come into the squad, and both players provide us with cover and exciting options within the bowling attack."