With series already in their pocket after massive victory in the Edgbaston Test, England today named an unchanged 13-man squad for the fourth and final Test against India at The Oval, starting August 18.
Published: Aug 15, 2011, 01:41 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 15, 2011, 01:41 AM (IST)
England mauled India by an innings and 242 runs in the Edgbaston Test © Getty images
Birmingham: Aug 14, 2011
With series already in their pocket after massive victory in the Edgbaston Test, England today named an unchanged 13-man squad for the fourth and final Test against India at The Oval, starting August 18.
England, the new number one Test team in the world after mauling India by an innings and 242 runs in the third Test, retained middle-order batsman Ravi Bopara in place of injured Jonathan Trott while the national selectors also showed faith in Steven Finn and Chris Tremlett.
While Tremlett is available for selection for the final Test having missed the last two matches through injury, Trott is still recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during the 319-run second Test win at Trent Bridge.
The win at Edgbaston not only gave the home side an unassailable 3-0 lead in the four-match series but also secured the title of world’s best cricket team for the first time by toppling the visitors.
“Jonathan Trott is making steady progress in his rehabilitation from his ongoing shoulder injury but he requires further treatment and won’t be fit for the fourth and final npower Test match. As such Ravi Bopara retains his place in the squad,” national selector Geoff Miller said.
“Chris Tremlett is available for selection following continued treatment for his back injury and he and Steven Finn are included in a broader 13-man squad for the last Test match of the summer.
“The performance at Edgbaston was of the highest quality but the team will now re-focus on finishing the series in a strong manner with much still to play for,” Miller added.
England squad:
Andrew Strauss (c), Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wk), Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Tim Bresnan, James Anderson, Steven Finn and Chris Tremlett. (PTI)
