Ashes 2013: Simon Kerrigan and Chris Woakes receive England call-up
Ashes 2013: Uncapped Simon Kerrigan and Chris Woakes are named in the England squad for the fifth Test at The Oval
Simon Kerrigan and Chris Woakes have been included in England’s 14-man squad for the final Ashes Test following injuries to Tim Bresnan and Graham Onions.
Bresnan is suffering from a stress fracture in his lower back, while Onions – who didn’t feature in the Durham win – is nursing a broken finger in his right hand.
Lancashire left arm spinner Kerrigan is uncapped at international level in all formats, while Woakes has been awarded 13 one-day and four T20 caps following his debut in 2011.
“The players have produced some good cricket in this 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,” said national selector Geoff Miller.
“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.”
Miller added that Bresnan’s focus will now be on recovering from his back injury and getting fit ahead of the return Ashes tour later this year.
“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,” he said.
“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 currently lead the five match Ashes series 3-0 following a 14-run victory at Trent Bridge, a 347 run victory at Lord’s, a draw at Emirates Old Trafford and a 74-run victory at Emirates Durham ICG.
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).
