Pietersen misses out on Test cap

England [Images] called up middle-order batsman Ian Bell [Images] to their 12-man squad for this month's first Test against Bangladesh while Kevin Pietersen [Images] missed out.

Bell, 23, has played one previous Test, scoring 70 in his one innings against West Indies [Images] in August last year.

The Warwickshire right-hander averages 80 on the county circuit this year while most of England's other leading batsmen have been struggling for form.

All rounder Andrew Flintoff [Images], on his way back from ankle surgery, was also included but Pietersen, England's major success during their one-day series with South Africa when he hit three centuries, missed out on a Test debut.

"Kevin will be disappointed but he'll know the best way to respond is to be measured in his verbal response and to get as many runs as he can to get the attention of the selectors," chairman of selectors David said Graveney.

"We had to make a choice between Kevin and Graham Thorpe. Graham is our most experienced player."

Thorpe has been struggling with back spasms. Robert Key also missed out after being selected ahead of Bell and playing three Tests against South Africa in January.

The bowling includes in-form strike bowler Steve Harmison, backed up by Matthew Hoggard [Images], Simon Jones, uncapped seamer Jon Lewis and spinner Ashley Giles.

Jones has been struggling with a back problem, giving Lewis the chance of a debut.

Graveney said Lewis, called up to the Test squad against South Africa without getting a game, had been in outstanding form for two seasons with Gloucestershire but added: "We have not finalised our bowling attack."

The series will be followed by a one-day triangular tournament also involving Australia, followed by the Ashes series.

England - Michael Vaughan [Images] (captain), Marcus Trescothick [Images], Andrew Strauss [Images], Graham Thorpe, Ian Bell, Andrew Flintoff, Geraint Jones (wicketkeeper), Ashley Giles, Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison, Simon Jones, Jon Lewis.

© Copyright 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.