Dernbach wins England call for Lords Test

ENGLAND have called up Surrey fast bowler Jade Dernbach for the second Test against Sri Lanka replacing the injured James Anderson.

Dernbach will now fight for a place in the starting line-up alongside Middlesex’s Steven Finn with coach Andy Flower saying both players will be seriously considered for the Lords showdown starting on Friday (June 3).

The Surrey man has yet to play a Test match for England. During the World Cup, Dernbach was called up to the England squad for their quarter-final clash with Sri Lanka but was not selected to make the final eleven.

Before the first Test Dernbach impressed for the England Lions against Sri Lanka taking nine wickets in the warm-up match in Derby.

Dernbach comes in for Anderson after he suffered a Grade One side strain during the first Test in Cardiff.

England national selector, Geoff Miller, said: “It’s obviously disappointing to lose Jimmy Anderson for the next Test as he is world-class and the leader of our attack but we’re fortunate to have a healthy stock of pace bowlers at present. We’re hopeful Jimmy will be available for the third Test but in the meantime we’re excited by Jade Dernbach’s inclusion.

“Jade is a talented young bowler and after excelling with the England Performance Programme over the winter he enjoyed considerable success with the ball against Sri Lanka while playing for the England Lions prior to the first Test.”

England squad: Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wk), Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Chris Tremlett, Steven Finn, Jade Dernbach.