From bigstarcricket.com Bigstar News
Hoggard, along with fellow experienced seamer Steve Harmison, was dropped after the first Test defeat against the Black Caps in Hamilton in March and then saw Anderson and Stuart Broad help England come back and win the series 2-1. Yorkshireman Hoggard, 31, has begun the season well for his county though whether that will be enough for him to earn a recall to the final XI will be revealed on Thursday at Lord’s. The 12-man squad picked was for the first two Tests of the three-Test series. Other notable team news revolves around Paul Collingwood who has suffered a shoulder injury and his condition will be monitored before Thursday, while all-rounder Andrew Flintoff’s recall was scuppered by a strain to his left side. “Despite being faced with some injury concerns we’ve named what we think is an extremely strong England Test squad,” England’s National Selector Geoff Miller said. “Paul Collingwood received treatment to his right shoulder on Friday and we now need to see how he responds to that treatment before we have a definitive idea of his availability for the first npower Test. “At this stage it’s too early to say whether he will definitely play as he will be reassessed in the lead up to Thursday. I know Paul and the England medical team will be doing everything to ensure he’s given the best chance of taking his place in the side but should he not be fit to play we have options available. “Andrew Flintoff was obviously unavailable for selection due to a side strain which is a shame for Andrew and for England but I know he’ll continue to work hard with the Lancashire medical team and be back in contention in due course. “Clearly there is very healthy competition for places in this Test side, which can only be good for England. The selection of this squad maintains a position of continuity from the winter following a series win against New Zealand. We’re expecting an equally tough series here at home and believe we have a squad capable of building on the success stemming from last winter. “The decision to leave the likes of Stephen Harmison out of the squad was a difficult one but we’ve no doubt that Stephen, along with several other players, will continue to fight every inch of the way to stake a claim for England selection.” England Test Squad: © Copyright bigstarcricket.com |
