England test squad announced

Richard Johnson returns to the fold, and may be set to make his England debut eight years after first coming to the notice of the selectors.

Johnson was chosen for the 1995/6 tour of South Africa, but injury forced his withdrawal. He was also called up for two games in 2001 but failed to make the final XI.

Flintoff missed the first game through injury, and his replacement, Anthony McGrath, looks set to retain his place following a solid debut. That leaves two into one, with either Johnson or James Kirtley - 12th man for the Lord's test - to miss out.

The game has great historical significance - Chester-le-Street will become the first 'new' test match venue in England for more than a century.

Full squad :

Marcus Trescothick (Somerset), Michael Vaughan (Yorkshire), Mark Butcher (Surrey), Nasser Hussain (capt, Essex), Robert Key (Kent), Alec Stewart (wkt, Surrey), Anthony McGrath (Yorkshire), Ashley Giles (Warwickshire), Richard Johnson (Somerset), Stephen Harmison (Durham), James Anderson (Lancashire), James Kirtley (Sussex).

Written by Eddie (submitted by James)

Posted by James