England announce 5th test squad

England have named a 13 man squad for the deciding Ashes test at the Oval, calling up Paul Collingwood and James Anderson in place of Chris Tremlett, as cover for Simon Jones.

Anderson has taken 51 wickets for Lancashire this season at 31.8, and Collingwood has been in good touch with the bat for Durham, averaging 58.

Chairman of Selectors, David Graveney, said: ‘As Simon Jones is continuing to receive treatment on his injured ankle, we have decided to include both Paul Collingwood and James Anderson in the squad. This will enable us to cover all available options in terms of the balance of our final eleven.

‘Simon is continuing to make progress in his recovery from injury and we will give him as much time as he needs in order to prove his fitness. He will continue to receive treatment over the next 48 hours and be re-assessed by the medical team at practice on Tuesday.

‘Chris Tremlett will be disappointed not to be included in the squad having been named in the twelve for the first four Test Matches. His involvement with the Test squad has meant limited opportunities for him with Hampshire in recent weeks and as a consequence we feel that he is not at the top of his game at present.

‘James Anderson has big match experience with England and we feel that his inclusion in the squad will give the captain and coach another bowling option in the event of Simon Jones being unfit to play.’

England only need a draw at The Oval to take the Ashes, whereas Australia, who will be boosted by the return of Glenn Mcgtrah need a win to retain them.

England Squad: Michael Vaughan (captain), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Andrew Flintoff, Ashley Giles, Stephen Harmison, Matthew Hoggard, Geraint Jones, Simon Jones, Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Strauss, Marcus Trescothick