The England selectors today named a 15-man Test squad and a 13-man One-Day squad for the forthcoming tour of the West Indies.
All 15 players who were originally selected in September for the Test squad’s tour of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have been retained. The selectors also intend to add an additional seam bowler to the Test Squad prior to the team’s departure for Jamaica on February 25th.
Worcestershire batsman Vikram Solanki has been omitted from the One-Day squad which is due to play seven ODIs in the Caribbean following the four-match Test Series.
Commenting on the selection, Chairman of Selectors, David Graveney, said: “We believe this squad contains the right blend of youth and experience to meet the challenges we will face in the Caribbean.
“Stephen Harmison has recovered from the back injury which ruled him out of the Sri Lanka Test Series and we expect that there will be keen competition for places in the pace bowling department.
“The reports we have had from the National Academy indicate that Simon Jones is making good progress in his recovery from a knee injury.
“As Simon has been out of First Class cricket for more than a year, we will be closely monitoring his form and fitness on the ‘A’ team’s tour of India with a view to adding him to the Test squad in the Caribbean.
“Andrew Caddick was not considered for selection for the West Indies tour as he needs time to complete his rehabilitation following back surgery. But his recovery is going according to plan and we hope he will be available for selection this summer.
“Vikram Solanki has not been included in the One-Day squad but he performed well for the team last summer and still has an international future. Andrew Strauss has been retained in the squad and he will give us another option at the top of the batting order.
“Richard Johnson was not available for selection as he requires surgery on his right knee which will take place later this month. We will closely monitor his rehabilitation and while he will not be available for the Test squad, there is a possibility that he could come into contention for the One Day squad.
“We do intend to add two extra seam bowlers to the One-Day Squad once we have had an opportunity to assess the performances of the Test Squad in the West Indies.”
The ‘A’ team squad for the Tour to Malaysia and India that departs on January 26th will be announced shortly along with the tour itinerary.
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