Caddick recalled for NZ tour

Paceman Andrew Caddick was recalled to the England side for the three-Test tour of New Zealand starting next month.

New Zealand-born Caddick is the only newcomer to the team who lost 1-0 to India last month. He withdrew from the tour because of security fears.

Off-spinner Martyn Ball and seamer Richard Johnson have been omitted from the team who toured India and there is no place for off-spinner Robert Croft, who also pulled out the tour because of security concerns.

Instead, the selectors have kept faith with Richard Dawson who made a promising debut in India.

"Andrew Caddick is a high-class Test bowler of proven pedigree at Test level and we are delighted to have him back," said chairman of selectors David Graveney.

"In picking this squad, we were keen to retain the nucleus of the side which exceeded many people's expectations in India before Christmas.

"While Robert Croft remains in our thoughts for the future, Richard Dawson showed great promise in India and we are keen to give him an opportunity to redevelop his international career still further."

James Ormond retains his place ahead of Durham fast bowler Steve Harmison, subject to a fitness test on an injured shoulder, while all-rounder Craig White has also been included despite yet another injury.

White will miss the one-day series in India this month in order to have keyhole surgery on his left knee.

The Yorkshire player was forced to miss the one-day tour of Zimbabwe in September after undergoing surgery on his other knee.

England - Nasser Hussain (captain), Usman Afzaal, Mark Butcher, Andrew Caddick, Richard Dawson, Andrew Flintoff, James Foster, Ashley Giles, Warren Hegg, Matthew Hoggard, James Ormond, Mark Ramprakash, Graham Thorpe, Marcus Trescothick, Michael Vaughan, Craig White.

Mail Cricket Editor