Simon Kerrigan and Chris Woakes have earned a surprise call-up to the England squad for the fifth Ashes Test against Australia at The Oval.
England ensured that the Ashes would be staying in England after picking up a third victory at Chester-le-Street to take the series to 3-0.
Lancashire’s left-arm spinner Kerrigan is uncapped at international level and will have his opportunity to shine in a match where the pressure will be off.
Warwickshire all-rounder Woakes made his international debut in 2011 and has played 13 one-day internationals and two Twenty20 games.
Coach Andy Flower was left with some choices to make after receiving the news that Tim Bresnan and Graham Onions will not be fit to feature.
Bresnan has been suffering with a back injury and Onions with a finger problem and the hosts believe it would be stupid to risk them at this stage of the series.
Kerrigan caught the eye of the selectors after impressing in the County Championship where he has taken 47 wickets at 20.23.
National selector Geoff Miller said: “Tim Bresnan has made valuable contributions with both bat and ball during the series and I would like to wish him all the very best in his recovery from his back injury.
“The focus for Bresnan now will be the tour of Australia later this year while this Test will provide an opportunity for another member of this squad to make equally vital contributions.
“The inclusion of five pace bowlers as well as an additional spinner in Simon Kerrigan who has impressed with Lancashire and England Lions in recent years gives Andy Flower and Alastair Cook plenty of options once they have assessed the conditions at the Kia Oval.”
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