Ian Bell picked for third Test by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	IR Bell, A Flintoff, KP Pietersen
Event:	Australia in British Isles 2009

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DateLine: 26th July 2009

 

England selectors came up with no surprises as Andrew Flintoff and Ian Bell were selected the 13-member squad.

 

The absence of injured Kevin Pietersen is the only change from the initial squad announced for the second Test at Lord's last week.

 

As expected, England have chosen not to select any extra batting cover in their line-up to face Australia at Edgbaston in the third npower Test.

 

Durham pacer Stephen Harmison and spinner Monty Panesar join the other players who featured in last week's win at Lord's.

 

"The performance of the team at Lord's was outstanding, and a convincing win was well deserved," said the England and Wales Cricket Board national selector Geoff Miller.

 

"We have obviously had to make a change to the side following Kevin Pietersen's unavailability - and we wish Kevin the best with his rehabilitation and look forward to his return to the England team in due course."

 

Miller explained that the inclusion of Bell was an obvious reaction to Pietersen's absence for the remainder of the summer and England have plans for a batting replacement should injury strike any of their top six before the Test.

 

"Kevin's injury has presented an opportunity for Ian Bell, who we know is a top-class batsmen with an excellent international record for England," he said.

 

"Ian will be looking to make the most of his return to the side during an Ashes series - and while we have a strong idea of where he will bat, we won't be disclosing the final line-up of the side until the toss on Thursday.

 

"Although we haven't named any extra batting cover in the squad, we have several options should the need arise to call in another batsmen."