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19th October 2007

Mustard, Collingwood and Harmison in Test squad for tour

Phil Mustard, Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, and Graeme Swann have all won places in the squad together with another member of England’s victorious One-Day squad in Sri Lanka; Owais Shah.

Speaking about his selection, Phil said, “It was a great experience to play in the one day series and I’m glad to get the chance to go back to Sri Lanka with the Test side. I’m going to have a short break before throwing myself back into training and challenging Matt starting spot.”

Chairman of Selectors, David Graveney, said: “We have chosen a balanced squad which includes a number of experienced Test players together with several young players who performed well in the recent One-Day Series in Sri Lanka.

“Stephen Harmison is scheduled to play two four day matches for Highveld Lions in mid November and he will join the tour party in Sri Lanka subject to him proving he has regained form and fitness following his back injury in the summer. We have chosen Phil Mustard as our number two wicketkeeper for the tour. Having recently toured Sri Lanka with the One-Day squad, Phil is familiar with the conditions and will be ideally placed to deputize for Matt Prior should the situation arise.

“Andrew Strauss needs to recover his best form and he has not been included in the squad on this occasion. We fully anticipate that he will have a major role to play with England in the next 12 months and he will be considered for the tour of New Zealand in the New Year.

“Owais Shah and Ravi Bopara are both fine players of spin-bowling and their performances for the One-Day side recently have demonstrated that they have the temperament required to succeed at the highest level. Graeme Swann made an excellent all-round contribution to the One-Day squad’s series win in Sri Lanka and he will come into consideration for a place in our starting line-up at those venues where we require two spinners.

“The England Performance Squad will be in India from mid November for four weeks and will provide nominated stand-by players in key positions to cover for any injuries to the Test squad in Sri Lanka.”