
LONDON, June 1: Fast bowler Devon Malcolm returns after an 18-month absence to the England lineup for the first Ashes Test against Australia starting at Edgbaston on Thursday.
Discarded in acrimonious circumstances by former manager Raymond Illingworth, Malcolm is back in form for Derbyshire. Though often wild, the powerfully-built paceman is sometimes devastating with his speed and his inclusion might be regarded as a match-winning gamble by the selectors.Illingworth, who quit last season, fell out publicly with Malcolm after trying to alter the paceman8217;s action on the tour of South Africa during the 1995-96 winter.
The 13-strong squad includes two newcomers from Surrey, opener Mark Butcher and all-rounder Adam Hollioake. Left-hander Butcher, who was leading run scorer on the England A tour of Australia last winter, replaced Warwickshire8217;s Nick Knight while Hollioake, who starred in England8217;s 3-0 sweep of victories in last week8217;s one-day internationals, probably will bat at No 7.
The squad includes two spinners, Glamorgan8217;s Robert Croft and Phil Tufnell of Middlesex. Seamer Andy Caddick and vice-captain Nasser Hussain, both left out for the one-day international, also return.
But there is still no place for specialist wicket-keeper Jack Russell despite his good performances in the county championship this season for Gloucestershire. Alec Stewart, the No 3 batsman, will keep the gloves.