England Test squad named

Last Modified: 11 May 2008
Source: ITN

Paul Collingwood has been named in England's 12-man squad for the first npower Test despite fitness doubts ahead of the Lord's opener against New Zealand.

Collingwood, 31, will have a fitness check in the build-up to the Test after being treated for a sore right shoulder in the aftermath of Durham's defeat to Lancashire at Old Trafford, a match which also saw Andrew Flintoff's injury jinx strike again.

All the signs pointed to England recalling all-rounder Flintoff at the earliest opportunity, only for a side strain to sideline him for a fortnight.

Although there is some doubt as to whether Collingwood can extend his sequence of 29 consecutive Test appearances, the new-look selection panel have declined to announce an official standby player.

Yorkshire swing bowler Matthew Hoggard is also among the dozen names selected for the first two Tests.

The other ten players named by national selector Geoff Miller are Michael Vaughan (captain), Tim Ambrose, James Anderson, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Monty Panesar, Kevin Pietersen, Ryan Sidebottom and Andrew Strauss

Miller said: "Despite being faced with some injury concerns we've named what we think is an extremely strong England Test squad.

"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."

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