Batty drafted into ODI squad

Off-spinner Gareth Batty has been called up to England’s squad for the NatWest Series against Bangladesh and Australia, starting June 16 at the Brit Oval, as a cover for the injured Ashley Giles.

Giles, who missed the two-Test series against Bangladesh, which England won majestically, is still recovering from a hip injury, which eventually may require surgery for repair.

ECB Chief Medical Officer Dr Peter Gregory said, “Ashley’s injury is responding to treatment and we are pleased with the progress he is making. He will need to continue strengthening work and cricket-specific training at a local level.”

Giles is still in the squad for the series; however, so that he gets 100% fit, or close to that, by the time for the Ashes, he is likely to be rested, with Batty taking his place.

Batty, who will also replace Giles in the Twenty20 game scheduled between England and Australia on June 13, will join with the squad on Friday for their warm-up match against Hampshire on Saturday.

England ODI squad:
Michael Vaughan (captain), Kabir Ali, Gareth Batty, Paul Collingwood, Andrew Flintoff, Ashley Giles, Darren Gough, Stephen Harmison, Geraint Jones (wicket-keeper), Simon Jones, Jon Lewis, Kevin Pietersen, Vikram Solanki, Andrew Strauss, Marcus Trescothick.