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Cricket

Hoggard earns recall for first Test

11/05/2008

Seamer Matthew Hoggard has been named in the 12-man squad to take on New Zealand in the first Test at Lord's on Thursday.

Paul Collingwood has also been included in the squad despite picking up a shoulder injury playing for Durham against Lancashire last week.

Hoggard was dropped from the England side after a poor performance in the first Test against New Zealand during the tour down under this winter.

But a strong start to the English season has earned the Yorkshireman a recall to the squad. Hoggard helped his cause by taking 3-45 against New Zealand in the recent Lions match at the Rose Bowl.

He is now likely to compete with James Anderson for a place in the starting line up. Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ryan Sidebottom were the bowlers who finished the tour to New Zealand and national selector Geoff Miller says their inclusion shows a consistency of selection.

He said: "Despite being faced with some injury concerns we've named what we think is an extremely strong England Test squad."

"Clearly there is very healthy competition for places in this Test side, which can only be good for England.

"The selection of this squad maintains a position of continuity from the winter following a series win against New Zealand."

Tim Ambrose retains his place as wicketkeeper despite facing competition from Phil Mustard and Matt Prior.

Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook are expected to open the batting again with Michael Vaughan, Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell complete the batting line up.


England Test Squad

Michael Vaughan (Yorkshire, captain)
Tim Ambrose (Warwickshire)
James Anderson (Lancashire)
Ian Bell (Warwickshire)
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)
Paul Collingwood (Durham)
Alastair Cook (Essex)
Matthew Hoggard (Yorkshire)
Monty Panesar (Northamptonshire)
Kevin Pietersen (Hampshire)
Ryan Sidebottom (Nottinghamshire)
Andrew Strauss (Middlesex)