Andrew Strauss is expected to be recalled to England's Test squad for the tour of New Zealand in March, while
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Essex's wicketkeeper, James Foster, could make a return as Matt Prior's understudy, when the party is unveiled at Lord's on Friday [....]
Apart from the obvious experience that Strauss can bring to the Test side, his role as a specialist slip catcher cannot be overlooked. England were noticeably weak in that area all through the Sri Lanka series, with crucial chances going begging in all three Tests.
Three of those were dropped by the wicketkeeper, Prior, although his place is safe for the moment thanks to some pugnacious batting at Kandy and Colombo. However, Foster's selection would add a notch of pressure to his position. It is five years since he played the last of his seven Tests - against Australia at Melbourne - and he has matured considerably in the intervening years. He is also familiar with the conditions in New Zealand, having kept in all three Tests of England's last series there in 2001-02.
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Probable Test squad Michael Vaughan (capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Alastair Cook, James Foster, Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard, Monty Panesar, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Owais Shah, Ryan Sidebottom, Andrew Strauss, Graeme Swann.
Probable one-day squad Paul Collingwood (capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Phil Mustard, Monty Panesar, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Owais Shah, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann, Luke Wright.
Cricinfo - Strauss set for England return
04-01-2008, 12:01 AM
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