Fit-again Bresnan recalled to England squad

The England selectors included fit-again pacer Tim Bresnan in the squad of 12 for the first Test against India starting at the Lord's from July 21.

The squad that will be led by Test captain Andrew Strauss has only one change in the form of Bresnan in place of Middlesex fast bowler Steven Finn. Finn was a part of the victorious England squad that beat Sri Lanka 1-0 in their last Test series.

Bresnan who was suffering from calf-muscle injury thus makes a comeback to the Test squad for the first time since the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney last January.

"This is clearly a highly-anticipated series between two of the world's top Test-playing nations and I know the England team is certainly looking forward to the challenge of taking on the number one ranked team in Test cricket," national selector Geoff Miller was quoted as saying in an ECB press release.

He further added, "Following the successful Test and ODI series against Sri Lanka we're pleased to be able to include Tim Bresnan in the Test squad after his excellent return from a calf muscle injury."

Miller stated that Bresnan's inclusion will add further depth to the attack.

"Tim adds further bite to our pace attack along with James Anderson, Chris Tremlett and Stuart Broad, who has greatly benefitted from getting overs and wickets under his belt for Nottinghamshire during the week."

"Steven Finn has also benefitted from his time at county level in recent weeks and continues to press hard for Test selection. It's very pleasing to see the depth of quality around our bowling attack particularly with a challenging four-match Test series on the horizon," Miller added.

England batsman Jonathan Trott believes Test skipper Andrew Strauss would put his recent lean patch behind him and strike form in the four-Test series against India.

"It's only a matter of time for Andy. He's been working really hard with Graham Gooch coming to the one-dayers and working hard inbetween, before and after games," Trott was quoted as saying by The Daily Mirror.

"He's really committed and as a team we respect Andy so much, as a captain and a batsman," he added.

Strauss was in poor form during the series against Sri Lanka but struck form to score 78 in the ongoing practice match between Somerset and the touring Indians.

Trott said he is looking for a big knock in the opening Test to be played at the historic Lord's.

"It's great to walk in there and see your name on the honours board. It always give you extra confidence," he said.