Bell only change in England squad for third test(Lead: Ashes)

London, July 26 (ANI): Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell is England's only change for the third Ashes Test. He comes in for injured Kevin Pietersen.

Injury-hit all-rounder Andrew Flintoff remains in a 13-man squad containing no surprises, reports The Sun.

England enter the Edgbaston clash with a 1-0 lead but knowing Achilles problems have ruled out their best batsman Pietersen for the rest of the series.

Bell, who averages just 25 against Australia, gets the chance to put an indifferent Test year behind him.

National selector Geoff Miller said: "Kevin's injury has presented an opportunity for Ian Bell, who we know is a top-class batsmen with an excellent international record for England.

"Ian will be looking to make the most of his return to the side during an Ashes series - and while we have a strong idea of where he will bat, we won't be disclosing the final line-up of the side until the toss on Thursday.

"Although we haven't named any extra batting cover in the squad, we have several options should the need arise to call in another batsmen."

Flintoff's final-day bowling heroics clinched England's second Test victory.

And Miller added: "The performance of the team at Lord's was outstanding, and a convincing win was well deserved.

Flintoff's performance at Lord's was truly memorable, he added.

"We hope he can take his place in the side for the third npower Test as he continues to manage his knee injury.

"Andrew and the medical staff are quite bullish about his prospects of playing, but we'll continue to monitor his progress in the days leading up to Thursday.

"Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar once again come into the squad, and both players provide us with cover and exciting options within the bowling attack." (ANI)