England selectors today announced a 14-man squad for the final Investec Ashes Test of the series commencing Wednesday 21 August at the Kia Oval.
The squad includes two players uncapped at Test level; Lancashire left-arm spinner Simon Kerrigan, uncapped at international level in all formats, and Warwickshire’s Chris Woakes who has been awarded 13 ODI and two T20 caps since making his international debut in 2011.
Pace bowlers Tim Bresnan (stress fracture in lower back) and Graham Onions (broken finger, right hand) were both ruled out of the fifth Test through injury.
England currently lead the five match Investec Ashes series 3-0 following a 14-run victory at Trent Bridge, a 347-run win at Lord’s, a draw at Emirates Old Trafford and a 74-run success at Emirates Durham ICG.
National Selector Geoff Miller said: “The players have produced some good cricket in this Investec Ashes series so far and should be congratulated on their performances but I have no doubt that the squad will be determined to finish this series with another strong performance this week and will be working hard in the build up to Wednesday.
"The inclusion of five pace bowlers as well as an additional spinner in Simon Kerrigan, who has impressed with Lancashire and England Lions in recent years, gives Andy Flower and Alastair Cook plenty of options once they have assessed the conditions at the Kia Oval.
“Tim Bresnan has made valuable contributions with both bat and ball during the series and I would like to wish him all the very best in his recovery from his back injury. The focus for Bresnan now will be the tour of Australia later this year while this Test will provide an opportunity for another member of this squad to make equally vital contributions.”
England squad:
Alastair Cook(Essex, captain)
James Anderson (Lancashire)
Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire)
Ian Bell (Warwickshire)
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)
Steven Finn (Middlesex)
Simon Kerrigan (Lancashire)
Kevin Pietersen (Surrey)
Matt Prior (Sussex)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire)
Chris Tremlett (Surrey)
Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire)
Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)