Lumb, Yardy given T20 chance

England have named Michael Lumb and Michael Yardy in their final 15-man squad for the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean.

Bopara and Kieswetter also included; no place for Prior

England have named uncapped Hampshire batsman Michael Lumb and Sussex skipper Michael Yardy in their final 15-man squad for the ICC World Twenty20. Somerset wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter has also made the final squad at the expense of Matt Prior, while the recalled Ravi Bopara has been given a chance to impress in the Caribbean. Left-hander Lumb has been retained from the provisional 30-man squad following a number of well-timed innings for Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals. All-rounder Yardy, meanwhile, has been rewarded for a consistent season with county Sussex, his runs and wickets inspiring the Sharks to last season's Twenty20 Cup. Another player who appears to have benefited from featuring in the IPL is Essex and Kings XI all-rounder Bopara.

Impress

The 24-year-old, who has not featured for England in any format since playing for the one-day team against South Africa in September 2009, appears back in favour. Another surprise call is England's decision to head into the World Cup with Somerset's Kieswetter as the specialist gloveman. Many expected both Kieswetter and Prior to make the 15, however it is the former who has claimed the gloves despite never previously playing a Twenty20 international. Other notable absentees from the squad include batting trio Joe Denly, Jonathan Trott and Owais Shah after all players failed to impress in recent matches. Paul Collingwood once again captains the side and he will be relieved to see James Anderson named amongst a pace bowling attack which includes Stuart Broad, Ajmal Shahzad, Tim Bresnan and Ryan Sidebottom. Graeme Swann and James Tredwell are named as England's front-line spinners, with all-rounder Luke Wright also making the 15.

Aggression

Speaking on the squad, national selector Geoff Miller said: "We believe we've picked a balanced squad that can meet the needs of the Twenty20 format - aggressive batting with variation and strength in depth and various bowling options that accommodate the conditions and surfaces in the West Indies. "Our fielding, which is such a vital aspect of limited overs cricket, has improved markedly and there's no reason we can't perform well in what will be a challenging global tournament. "On the recent tour of Bangladesh Craig Kieswetter showed what he is capable of in international limited overs cricket and as a wicketkeeper at the top of the order he gives us options down the order. "Craig has improved over time and his selection indicates real competition for places which is only healthy for the England team. Despite missing selection for this format of the game Matt Prior very much remains in the England set up and a part of our plans. "Michael Lumb has consistently performed well in limited overs cricket for Hampshire and has also impressed during his time in the IPL and with the England Lions. As a powerful left-hander Michael adds aggression to our batting and has the ability to compliment the rest of the line-up. "Michael Yardy has also performed at a consistently high level for his county, Sussex, in limited overs cricket and knows his game inside and out. Both Michael and Ravi Bopara have earned recalls to the England squad after going away and working hard on their cricket with excellent results." The World Twenty20 takes place from April 30-May 16. England are in Group D alongside hosts West Indies and Ireland. England 15-man squad:
Paul Collingwood (Durham, capt)
James Anderson (Lancashire)
Ravi Bopara (Essex)
Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire)
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)
Craig Kieswetter (Somerset)
Michael Lumb (Hampshire)
Eoin Morgan (Middlesex)
Kevin Pietersen (Hampshire)
Ajmal Shahzad (Yorkshire)
Ryan Sidebottom (Nottinghamshire)
Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire)
James Tredwell (Kent)
Luke Wright (Sussex)
Michael Yardy (Sussex).