England Squad for Third Ashes Test

London: England named the following 14-man squad for the third Ashes test against Australia, starting at Old Trafford on Thursday.

Kevin Pietersen was included despite concerns over his calf injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced Sunday.

Star batsman Pietersen will be given time to prove his fitness for the match, which starts at the Manchester venue on Thursday, with Nottinghamshire's James Taylor added to the squad as cover.

England have also altered their bowling options by bringing in Monty Panesar as a second spinner and recalling fast bowler Chris Tremlett in place of seamers Steven Finn and Graham Onions.

Ashes-holders England, who lead the five-match series 2-0 after victories by 14 runs and 347-runs in the first and second Tests at Trent Bridge and Lord's respectively, will retain the urn if they win again at Old Trafford.

England squad: Alastair Cook (capt), Joe Root, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Jonny Bairstow, Matt Prior (wkt), Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, James Taylor, Chris Tremlett, Monty Panesar

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Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan - 3rd ODI 3rd ODI - South Africa v Pakistan - December 22, 12:00 GMT 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs 2nd ODI - South Africa v Pakistan at Cape Town Pakistan won by 81 runs

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