England recall Kerrigan for Lord's

By Sam Sheringham BBC Sport at Trent Bridge England have recalled left-arm spinner Simon Kerrigan for the second Test against India at Lord's on Thursday.

The 25-year-old conceded 53 runs from eight overs against Australia at The Oval last August on his only previous appearance.

He has taken 28 County Championship wickets for Lancashire this summer at an average of 34, with a best of 4-68.

Kerrigan was the only addition to the squad that drew the first Test at Trent Bridge on Sunday.

Matches: 66; Wickets: 213; Average: 27.81; Best figures: 9-51; Strike-rate: 58.7

Talking about the decision to recall Kerrigan, England captain Alastair Cook said: "Clearly he had a tough experience in the one Test he played. He's been good around us and bowled beautifully in the nets (during the first Test).

"We want to have an option in case it's hot and dry at Lord's and might spin more. Simon is a tough lad - he went away with the Lions and did well. I have no doubt in his toughness and he will be a fine bowler for England."

England are searching for a frontline spinner following the retirement of Graeme Swann, who took 255 Test wickets, during the Ashes in December.

Part-time off-spinner Moeen Ali has been England's main slow bowler for the first three Tests of the summer, but has taken just seven wickets from 98 overs, with a strike-rate of 84.

After a successful England Lions tour of Sri Lanka in the winter, Kerrigan has played 11 Championship matches for Lancashire this season.

Peter Moores was Kerrigan's coach at Lancashire before he was reappointed as England head coach in April.

England squad: Alastair Cook (Essex, capt), Sam Robson (Middlesex), Gary Ballance (Yorkshire), Ian Bell (Warwickshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Matt Prior (Sussex, wk), Ben Stokes (Durham), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Liam Plunkett (Yorkshire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Simon Kerrigan (Lancashire).


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