England name same team against Pakistan
Julian Guyer
England named the same XI on Sunday that had put them 2-0 up in their
four-match series against Pakistan for the third Test starting at The
Oval on Wednesday. Tim Bresnan, left out from a 12-man squad in the
sides that won the first Test at Trent Bridge by 354 runs and the second
Test by nine wickets at Edgbaston last week, was retained as bowling
cover.
The seamer will play for Yorkshire in their Championship clash
against champions Durham starting at Chester-le-Street on Monday.
He will join the England team on Tuesday before returning to play for
Yorkshire on Wednesday, provided he is not required for Test duty.
This is England’s last Test series before they begin the defence of
the Ashes in Australia starting in November and national selector Geoff
Miller said: “We were delighted with the way the team performed at
Edgbaston in the second Test.
“To put together dominant performances in back-to-back Test matches
is a credit to the team’s hard work, but the key remains consistency
throughout the duration of the series.” Former England off-spinner
Miller added: “Tim Bresnan hasn’t been named in the squad but will
provide bowling cover just prior to the Test before returning to play
for Yorkshire in their County Championship match against Durham.”
Pakistan suffered a setback on Saturday when it was announced that
wicketkeeper/batsman Zulqarnain Haider who made 80 on Test debut at
Edgbaston, was doubtful for The Oval after suffering a finger injury.
Saturday also saw the second day of their two-day match against
Worcestershire washed out completely. But the third Test should see the
return to the side of former captain and senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf,
who made an unbeaten 40 against Worcestershire.
LONDON, AFP |