London, May 17: Three uncapped players figure in the 13-man England squad announced today for the first Test against Zimbabwe starting on Thursday at Lord's. The newcomers are Lancashire's James Anderson, Sussex pace bowler James Kirtley and the Yorkshire all-rounder Anthony McGrath.
Andrew Flintoff has been named in the squad but there are concerns about his fitness as the all-rounder is carrying a shoulder problem.
England's chairman of selectors, David Graveney, said on a radio interview, "It is a bit of an odd injury Andrew has got. He took a blow to his right shoulder while batting, which has affected the nerves in his shoulder.” "This condition can easily go between now and Thursday. It was prudent we keep him in the squad and hopefully he will be able to take his place on Thursday," he said.
Missing from the list was pace-bowler Andy Caddick who has damaged ligaments in his right foot.
Anderson made his case for inclusion at the World Cup where he totalled 14 wickets in 23 one-day internationals. Graveney said McGrath would share the role of fifth bowler with Mark Butcher.
The 27-year-old McGrath announced his "surprise and delight" at the call up.
England squad: Nasser Hussain (Essex, capt), James Anderson (Lancashire), Mark Butcher (Surrey), Andrew Flintoff (Lancashire), Ashley Giles (Warwickshire), Stephen Harmison (Durham), Mathew Hoggard (Yorkshire), Robert Key (Kent), James Kirtley (Sussex), Anthony Mcgrath (York), Alec Stewart (Surrey, wkt), Marcus Trescothick (Somerset), Michael Vaughan (Yorkshire). Bureau Report