ENGLAND will name their squad for the first Test against India today at 0930 BST – with the only question mark over the out-of-form Stuart Broad.
The Nottinghamshire paceman is expected to be named in the squad, as is fit-again Yorkshire seamer Tim Bresnan. The duo, as well as Steven Finn – who was 12th man for the final Test against Sri Lanka – are expected to battle it out for one place in the final XI.
The 2 000th Test in the history of cricket begins at Lord’s on Thursday.
With James Anderson and Chris Tremlett established in England’s attack, Middlesex bowler Finn’s chances of a call-up on his home ground may depend on whether England name 12 or 13 players in the squad.
But Bresnan, who played a key role in their innings victories against Australia at Melbourne and Sydney over the winter, staked his claim for a recall by taking 4-64 against Worcestershire in the County Championship this week, although Broad – who was dropped for the final one-day international against Sri Lanka – took 5-95 for Notts against Somerset the following day.
India are currently playing Somerset, for whom England skipper Andrew Strauss is making a guest appearance, in a tour match at Taunton.
The tourists will be without opener Virender Sehwag, whose shoulder injury has kept him sidelined for the early part of the tour.
England (possible): Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wkp.), Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Chris Tremlett, James Anderson, Steven Finn.