London, May 11 (ANI): English bowlers Graeme Swann and Tim Bresnan have returned to the 12-man squad from injury for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's.
Off-spinner Swann and Bresnan had both missed the 0-0 draw in New Zealand in the winter with elbow problems that required surgery, BBC reports.
The report further said that the squad also includes Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow, although star batsman Kevin Pietersen has been sidelined from the Test series by knee trouble.
According to national selector Geoff Miller, both Swann and Bresnan have worked hard to regain fitness following their elbow surgeries and have demonstrated through their performances for their counties that they are ready for the challenge of international cricket
Swann, who has never played a Test against New Zealand, will be replacing Monty Panesar, who had taken five wickets in the current tour match with the Kiwis at a cost of 70 runs apiece, the report further said.
According to the report, Bresnan, who has 57 wickets in 18 Tests, has had two elbow operations but has taken 13 wickets in three Championship matches for county side Yorkshire this term.
Root made 73 on his debut in India last December and played in all three Tests in New Zealand, with a top score of 45 in the final match, the report added.
England squad: Alastair Cook (Captain), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Ian Bell, Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Nick Compton, Steven Finn, Matt Prior, Root, Swann and Jonathan Trott. (ANI)
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