Broad and Bresnan selected by England

Stuart Broad was today included in a 12-man England squad for the first npower Test against India at Lord's, which also contains his fellow pace bowler Tim Bresnan.

Out-of-form Broad is expected to be challenged for the third seamer's place in an otherwise obvious team selection, having found it difficult to take wickets since his return from injury.

He played in each of the three Tests in this summer's 1-0 victory over Sri Lanka, while 2010/11 Ashes-winner Bresnan was out with calf trouble.

The inclusion of Bresnan and the omission of Middlesex fast bowler Steven Finn is the only change to the squad that completed the win against Sri Lanka at the Rose Bowl last month.

National selector Geoff Miller said: "Following the successful Test and ODI series against Sri Lanka, we're pleased to be able to include Tim Bresnan in the Test squad after his excellent return from a calf muscle injury.

"Tim adds further bite to our pace attack along with James Anderson, Chris Tremlett and Stuart Broad - who has greatly benefited from getting overs and wickets under his belt for Nottinghamshire during the week.

"Steven Finn has also benefited from his time at county level in recent weeks and continues to press hard for Test selection."

Miller is encouraged by the pace-bowling resources at England's disposal for a high-profile series in which they have the opportunity to depose India at the top of the International Cricket Council Test rankings.

"It's very pleasing to see the depth of quality around our bowling attack, particularly with a challenging four-match Test series on the horizon," he said.

"This is clearly a highly-anticipated series between two of the world's top Test-playing nations, and I know the England team is certainly looking forward to the challenge of taking on the number one ranked team in Test cricket."

PA