Silverwood called up to England squad

Chris Silverwood has been added to England's squad as a replacement for injured fast bowler Simon Jones.

The Yorkshire paceman will fly to Australia on Sunday in time to join the tourists for their next match against Australia A in Hobart on Tuesday.

"We see Chris as a like-for-like replacement for Simon Jones," England chairman of selectors David Graveney said in a statement on Saturday.

"He has genuine pace, hits the deck hard and the conditions in Australia should suit his type of bowling.

"His presence in the squad will provide real competition for places in the pace bowling department ahead of the second Test."

Jones ruptured the ligaments in his right knee while fielding on the opening day of the first Test on Thursday and is likely to be out of cricket for at least six months.

Silverwood has played five Tests for England, the most recent against South Africa in 2000, and was a member of the one-day squad that toured Zimbabwe a year ago.

He played a one-day international against Australia at Lord's in 1997 but has yet to appear in a Test against the team ranked number one in the world.

"It's every cricketer's dream to play in the Ashes and I'm no exception," Silverwood said in the statement.

"It's going to be hard work, but I'm looking forward to it and hopefully I can try and force my way into the Test side.

"I didn't have anything planned this (northern hemisphere) winter so this is a nice bonus."

Mail Cricket Editor