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Mark Footitt and Liam Plunkett named in England squad for fourth Ashes Test

Mark Footitt during an England net session
Image: Mark Footitt could make England debut at Trent Bridge

Mark Footitt and Liam Plunkett have both been included in England's 14-man squad for the fourth Investec Ashes Test against Australia at Trent Bridge, which starts on Thursday.

The two pace bowlers have been brought into the squad after James Anderson was ruled out with a side strain, although there is no place for Durham's Chris Rushworth, who had been tipped for a first call up.

Anderson suffered the injury during England's eight-wicket victory in the third Test at Edgbaston which put them 2-1 up in the Ashes series.

Mark Footitt of Derbyshire in action during the LV County Championship match between Derbyshire and Surrey
Image: Footitt in action for Derbyshire

Durham's Mark Wood, who played in the first two Tests of the series but missed out at Edgbaston with an ankle injury, is the man most likely to replace Anderson in the starting XI, but Footitt and Plunkett will provide additional cover in the squad. 

Derbyshire left-arm seamer Footitt, 29, is uncapped at international level but has been a prolific wicket-taker in County Championship Division Two over the last two seasons.

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Yorkshire's Plunkett, 30, has played 13 Tests, most recently against India in July 2014, although he was a member of the England squad that toured the Caribbean in April and May when he was hampered by injury.

The pair were both on the pre-Ashes trip to Spain when Alastair Cook's squad had the chance to get to know new coach Trevor Bayliss for the first time.

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Durham bowler Chris Rushworth
Image: Chris Rushworth has missed out on selection for the fourth Test

There had been suggestions that opening batsman Adam Lyth could be dropped for the fourth Test after scoring just 72 runs in six innings in the series so far, but the Yorkshire left-hander has retained his place.

National selector James Whitaker said: "With James Anderson missing this Test through injury and some concerns over Mark Wood’s workload in the build up to the last Test we felt that bringing in two extra bowlers in Liam Plunkett and Mark Footitt was necessary.

"The reports on Wood are positive at this stage and we are hopeful he’ll be available for selection on Thursday.

Liam Plunkett of England unsuccessfully appeals during day three of 2nd Investec Test match between England and India at Lord's
Image: Liam Plunkett has Test experience with England

"Congratulations to Liam and Mark Footitt on their selection and on behalf of the selectors I’d like to wish Alastair and Trevor all the very best for the fourth Test.

"The performance at Edgbaston this week was very encouraging and it is important we build on that next week at Trent Bridge."

Squad: Alastair Cook (capt), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Steven Finn, Mark Footitt, Adam Lyth, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood.

Catch the fourth Ashes Test from Trent Bridge live on Sky Sports Ashes HD from 10am on Thursday. You can also watch the fourth Test with a NOW TV Sports Day Pass. Plus, our Ashes Events Centre - the best of Sky Cricket's analysis at your fingertips - is available on our iPad app.

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