Pietersen in as Eng recall trio to Ashes squad

Kevin Pietersen was included in a 14-man squad for next week’s third Ashes Test against Australia at Old Trafford despite concerns over his calf injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on 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. Pietersen, who has been sidelined for much of this year, suffered his latest fitness setback in England’s crushing 347-run second Test win at Lord’s last week and could not field in the second innings.

Taylor always looked the most likely candidate to be called up as cover after the ECB sought special dispensation for the diminutive batsman to guest for Sussex in their ongoing tour match against Australia at Hove.

The 23-year-old Taylor, 64 not out overnight, went on to make an unbeaten 121 against Australia on the final day of three on Sunday as Sussex declared on 268 for seven, two runs ahead of the tourists’ first innings 366 for five declared. ‘Kevin Pietersen is continuing his recovery from a calf strain and he will be assessed by the medical team closer to the start of the Test and we have therefore included an extra batsman in James Taylor,’ said England national selector Geoff Miller in a statement.