England World Cup squad announced

Chairman of selectors David Graveney today announced the England squad for the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup. The squad is as follows:

Nasser Hussain (Captain)
James Anderson
Ian Blackwell
Andrew Caddick
Paul Collingwood
Andy Flintoff
Ashley Giles
Steve Harmison
Mathew Hoggard
Ronnie Irani
Nick Knight
Alec Stewart (W)
Marcus Trescothick
Michael Vaughan
Craig White

Coach: Duncan Fletcher
Assistant Coach:Tim Boon
Physiotherapist: Dean Conway
Physiologist: Nigel Stockhill
Media Manager: Andrew Walpole
Analyst: Malcolm Ashton

Graveney said: "I am satisfied that the players selected in this squad represent the best mix of experience and youth that England has available to it. The unavailability of several key players for various reasons over recent months has given us the opportunity to bring in a number of young players into our plans, several of these players have responded extremely well to the challenge and we have had no hesitation in including them in the squad.

"So far as Andrew Flintoff is concerned I can tell you that he his making good progress in his rehabilitation work with Dave Roberts at Lancashire and has been bowling at around 90% pace in the nets whilst experiencing much less pain. The indications from the ECB medical officer are that Andrew will be fit and able to play a full part in the competition.

"Ashley Giles has been given the go-ahead from his specialist to begin training and bowled six overs in the nets over the weekend without suffering any pain or reaction. Again, I am satisfied that Ashley will be able to play a full role for England in the World Cup.

"We will be looking to have both Andrew and Ashley to travel to Australia during the next few weeks to continue their rehabilitation and prove their fitness.

"So far as Craig White's injury is concerned, his recovery is in its early stages. Initial medical advice was that this injury would require three to six weeks to heal. Craig will be receiving intensive treatment with the aim of having him available for the finals of the VB Series should England qualify. We will also be looking to Andrew and Ashley to be fit for selection for those finals.

"Those players presently with the England squad taking part in the VB Series but not included in the World Cup squad will stay with the team for the duration of the series and will be considered as replacements should they be required in the event of injury."