Flintoff set for Ashes finale as England opt for Trott

Andrew Flintoff stayed on course to make his farewell to Test cricket in next week's fifth and final match of the Ashes series here at the Oval after being named in a 14-man squad on Sunday.

Also included was uncapped Warwickshire batsman Jonathan Trott, who is now set to make a high-pressure Test debut against Australia when the series finale starts on Thursday in a match England must win to regain the Ashes.

Trott, who saw off competition from the likes of Mark Ramprakash and Rob Key, is in line to replace Ravi Bopara after the out-of-form batsman was dropped from the squad completely.

"Ravi Bopara has been going through a tough time with the bat in this series and we have decided to leave him out of the squad for this game," said England national selector Geoff Miller.

"He will be extremely disappointed but remains very much part of our plans for the future and I am sure that he has the talent and temperament to regain his place in the side. "Ravi's omission means Jonathan Trott will make his Test debut at the Brit Oval," the former England off-spinner added.

"Having been part of the squad at Headingley, he was the next batsman in line in our view and this rewards him for the excellent form he has shown in county cricket both this summer and with England Lions over the winter.

"Ian Bell will bat at three next week which is a position he has occupied for England before and we were delighted to see both him and Jonathan make centuries for Warwickshire this week," Miller said.

"Andrew Flintoff (knee) and James Anderson's (hamstring) injuries are much improved with rest and treatment and we anticipate that both players will be fit and available for selection next Thursday."

England also gave themselves additional bowling options by including left-arm spinner Monty Panesar and left-arm quick Ryan Sidebottom.

Panesar's recall and Bopara's omission were the only changes to England's squad at Headingley.

LONDON, Aug 16, AFP