Plunkett, Footitt added to England squad

England have called Liam Plunkett and uncapped left-armer Mark Footitt into their 14-man squad for the fourth Ashes Test at Trent Bridge, starting on Thursday.

With James Anderson ruled out of the match due to a side injury and concerns also hanging over the fitness of Mark Wood, England have added two extra fast-bowlers as cover.

Quick Single: Anderson to miss fourth Test

Plunkett played the most recent of his 13 Tests against India last year, while Derbyshire's Footitt is uncapped at international level.

"With James Anderson missing this Test through injury and some concerns over Mark Wood’s workload in the build up to the last Test we felt that bringing in two extra bowlers in Liam Plunkett and Mark Footitt was necessary," said National selector James Whitaker.

"The reports on Wood are positive at this stage and we are hopeful he’ll be available for selection on Thursday. 

"Congratulations to Liam and Mark Footitt on their selection and on behalf of the selectors I’d like to wish Alastair and Trevor all the very best for the fourth Test.

"The performance at Edgbaston this week was very encouraging and it is important we build on that next week at Trent Bridge."

Anderson is the only player to miss out from the win at Edgbaston, with struggling opener Adam Lyth given a reprieve by selectors.

Footitt has been one of the star performers in county cricket so far this season, taking 50 wickets in 11 matches including seven against Northamptonshire in his most recent first-class match a fortnight ago.

Plunkett has taken 41 wickets in 13 Tests since his debut way back in 2005 and is one of five Yorkshire players in the 14-man squad.

England squad
Alastair Cook (c), Adam Lyth, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, Steve Finn, Liam Plunkett, Mark Footitt, Adil Rashid.

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