Anderson named in England squad for fifth Ashes Test

London, Aug 9 - England's pace spearhead James Anderson returned to the squad for the fifth Ashes Test against Australia after missing the fourth Test through injury on Sunday.

England selectors announced a 14-man squad for the fifth Ashes Test beginning on August 20 at the Oval cricket ground. England have already won the five-match series against Australia 3-1.

Anderson, who missed the fourth Test through injury, is continuing his recovery from a side strain and will be monitored closely in the build up to the final Test in the series.

"On behalf of the selectors I would like to congratulate Alastair Cook, Trevor Bayliss and all involved in the last month. Regaining the Ashes is a superb achievement and is down to 18 months of hard work from the players and coaches and support from a lot of people since the last series in Australia," England selector James Whitaker said in a statement on Sunday.

"The contributions of so many different players at key times throughout the series so far is hugely encouraging.

"James Anderson is continuing to improve and with 10 days to go before the Test may be able to play a part at the Oval, although with the series won we will not be taking any chances given the cricket we have in the coming months.

"I have no doubt the players will want a strong finish to the series and we can look forward to another entertaining Test match."

The squad: Alastair Cook (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Steven Finn, Adam Lyth, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood.

(IANS)