Pietersen named for Champions Trophy

LONDON:Kevin Pietersen was named on Friday in England's 30-man provisional squad for September's ICC Champions Trophy in his native South Africa even though he is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury.

Star batsman Pietersen was ruled out Wednesday of the remainder of the Ashes series and, while there is no certainty about when he will return, England are hopeful of having him fit in time for the 50 overs per side event. Also included in the squad was Andrew Flintoff, the injury-prone all-rounder.

Flintoff, 31, led from the front with the ball by taking five wickets as England won the second Ashes Test by 115 runs at Lord's on Monday. The Lancashire star has said this will be his final Test series but has vowed to carry on playing ODIs.

However, even if he gets through the Ashes unscathed, doubts remain as to how much rest Flintoff will require ahead of the Champions Trophy. England have never won a major ODI tournament. Hampshire batsman Michael Lumb is the only uncapped player in the provisional squad.

Bell set for England recall

London: Ian Bell is set to return to England's Test team next week at his Edgbaston home ground after star batsman Kevin Pietersen was ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes Tests.

The Warwickshire batsman was included in the squads, but not picked for the final XI, in both of the first two Tests against Australia.

Bell played the last of his 46 Tests against the West Indies in Jamaica in February.