England have taken the brave step of naming Kevin Pietersen in a 12-man squad for the 1st Ashes Test against Australia at Lord's on Thursday which means no place for the veteran Graham Thorpe.

The 25-year-old Hampshire batsman has earned selection ahead of Thorpe because of a series of magnificent one-day performances, including a spectacular 91* in the recent NatWest Series at Bristol and a timely 74 at the Oval two days ago.

Warwickshire's Ian Bell and Pietersen's Hampshire team-mate Chris Tremlett are also included in the XII.

Announcing the squad chairman of selectors, David Graveney, said: "This has been the most difficult decision that I have been party to in my time as a selector with both Kevin and Graham making compelling cases for selection.

"Ultimately we have opted for Kevin because of the form he showed against Australia in The NatWest Series and The NatWest Challenge, his excellent First Class career record and the energy and enthusiasm he brings to the England dressing room.

"We have no doubts that he will be able to transfer his One-Day form into the Test arena and firmly believe that he has the potential to become a world class player in England's middle order and a genuine match-winner."

Graveney said the decision did not necessarily mark the end of Thorpe's career and, form and fitness permitting, he would be considered for the remaining Tests. He also said the selectors had considered other permutations of the batting order, involving dropping Ian Bell, but decided he had done enough to keep his place.

"Ian Bell has made an excellent start to his Test career, is currently averaging over 60 for Warwickshire in first class cricket this season, and we feel that he has the temperament and the technique required to succeed against Australia," he said.

Kevin Pietersen, said: "Graham Thorpe has been a terrific player for England and taking over his role in the side is going to be a huge responsibility. But I thrive on pressure, I love the big occasion and I am definitely ready for the challenge."

Chris Tremlett's inclusion ahead of Gloucestershire's Jon Lewis as back-up seamer was widely anticipated following his promising performances in the ODIs against Australia and Bangladesh.

England squad: MP Vaughan (capt), ME Trescothick, AJ Strauss, IR Bell, KP Pietersen, A Flintoff, GO Jones, AF Giles, SP Jones, MJ Hoggard, SJ Harmison, CT Tremlett.

14 Jul, 2005