James Anderson is back in the reckoning for the fifth Test against Australia after being named in a 14-man squad on Sunday.
England’s all-time leading wicket taker had to miss the fourth Test victory at Trent Bridge that returned the Ashes to England because of the side strain he sustained in the third match at Edgbaston.
It was initially feared Anderson would miss the remainder of the series after pulling out of his action and leaving the field in obvious discomfort in Birmingham.
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But after intensive rehabilitation Anderson replaces uncapped left-arm seamer Mark Footitt, called up as cover for Mark Wood in Nottingham but released to play for his county Derbyshire when the Durham pace bowler was passed fit after the ankle niggle that ruled him out of the previous match.
There are no other changes to the squad, out-of-form opener Adam Lyth given another chance to prove himself this summer.
National selector James Whitaker made it clear England will tread carefully with Anderson.
He said: “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.”
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