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With uncertainty looming large on Andrew Flintoff's participation, England has included Warwickshire batsman Jonathan Trott as his cover in the 14-member squad for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia starting at Headingley on Friday.
The squad also features fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom but there is still no place for left-arm spinner Monty Panesar.
Struggling with a knee injury, Flintoff has taken six injections in the last 18 days and still remains uncertain for the fourth Test.
The 28-year-old Trott has 831 first-class runs this season at an average of 83 and national selector Geoff Miller feels he deserved the call.
"Jonathan Trott has also performed really well for Warwickshire this season and his place in the squad is fully deserved," Miller was quoted as saying in the BBC.
"His inclusion will provide us with the option of playing six batsmen if we feel this is appropriate," he added.
Warwickshire chief executive Colin Povey also expressed happiness at Trott's inclusion.
"He's full of runs and nice to have him alongside Ian Bell. He's been playing consistently well for the Lions side over the last two years - he's in such good form in all forms - I'm delighted they've called him into the squad.
"He's been in the mixer for a while and he'll be desperate to play - he's worked really hard this winter.
In Onion's opinion...
Meanwhile, fast bowler Graham Onions has said there was more to England's attack then swing bowling.
"We all know that when the ball swings it's massive for us, a great thing to have as a bowler," he told reporters at Headingley on Wednesday.
"If you're just bowling straight against good players you're going to go for runs. As England cricketers we need to make sure that ball swings really or does something off the straight or be aggressive."