LONDON (AP) — Jonathan Trott is back in the England test side 16 months after quitting partway through an Ashes tour to deal with stress.
Trott was a key player in England’s three successive Ashes series wins from 2009-13 and rise to No. 1 in the test rankings, but went home after the first-test loss in November 2013 in Brisbane.
He started tentatively for his Warwickshire county side last year, but by the end of the summer totalled five centuries. He was made captain of the England Lions on their tour of South Africa in January and February, and scored an unbeaten double century.
“He is a player of proven international pedigree, and we are delighted to welcome him back into the squad,” national selector James Whitaker said on Wednesday at the team announcement.
The 16-man squad includes a recall for Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes, and three uncapped players: Opening batsman Adam Lyth and spinner Adil Rashad – two of six Yorkshire players in the party – and Durham fast bowler Mark Wood.
Allrounder Moeen Ali was not picked because of a side strain sustained at the Cricket World Cup, but may be summoned if he recovers well.
Allrounder Chris Woakes was ruled out by a left foot injury, also coming at the World Cup, but was expected to be available for the two home tests against New Zealand in May.
England has two warm-up games in St Kitts, followed by the first Test from April 13-17 in Antigua. Two more Tests follow in Grenada and Barbados.
