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England name Panesar, Tremlett in Ashes squad

Last updated on: September 23, 2010 20:04 IST


England recalled left-arm spinner Monty Panesar for the Ashes series in Australia in their 16-man squad named on Thursday.

Batsman Kevin Pietersen returned after being dropped for the One-day Internationals against Pakistan along with Ian Bell, who missed the four-match test series against the Pakistanis through injury.

Tim Bresnan and Chris Tremlett filled the last two fast bowling slots, alongside James Anderson, Steven Finn and Stuart Broad.

Monty Panesar"We believe we've selected an outstanding test squad for what will be a fiercely contested Ashes series in Australia. In order to retain the Ashes we will need to play to a very high level and we believe we've selected a squad to do just that," chairman of selectors Geoff Miller said in a statement.

"We feel that Chris Tremlett's inclusion
will add a real threat of pace and bounce to our bowling attack given the conditions in Australia," he added.


The 28-year-old Panesar, preferred to young leg-spinner Adil Rashid and off-spinner James Tredwell, last played a test in July 2009 when he famously batted out for a draw in the first Ashes match in Cardiff.

"Following an excellent season with Sussex Monty Panesar deserves his opportunity to assume the role as England's second spinner behind Graeme Swann," Miller said.

"Monty has gone away and worked on his bowling since his last England appearance and he continues to be an attacking threat with the ball in his hand," he added.

Panesar has 126 test wickets from 39 matches and claimed a five-wicket haul in his first Ashes test in Perth in 2006.

The squad leaves for Australia on October 29 before starting the five-match test series in Brisbane on November. 25.

Source: REUTERS
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