ECB set to name development squad

The ECB name the 25-man development squad, on Thursday, which will be under the direct control of Duncan Fletcher, the England coach.

The squad will include the 12 players who already have 12-month central contracts, with the remaining places being taken by the one-day players, fringe candidates for the Test side and the Academy players who toured UAE and Sri Lanka last winter. The selectors are unlikely to spring too many surprises, as the size of the squad allows them to include most players who are in contention for an international call-up.

The stars of the Academy tour - Matt Prior and Ian Bell - are certain to be included, with the successful pace bowlers from the trip - Sajid Mahmood, Jon Lewis and David Harrison - also set for selection. With Prior a certainty for the squad, following his impressive efforts in Sri Lanka and strong start to the domestic season, there will be further disappointment for Chris Read, as it is unlikely that three wicketkeepers will make the squad.

Probable 25-man development squad Michael Vaughan*, Kabir Ali, James Anderson*, Gareth Batty, Ian Bell, Mark Butcher*, Paul Collingwood, Andrew Flintoff*, Ashley Giles*, Steve Harmison*, David Harrison, Matthew Hoggard*, Geraint Jones*, Simon Jones*, Robert Key, Jon Lewis, Sajid Mahmood, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Vikram Solanki, Andrew Strauss*, Graeme Swann, Graham Thorpe*, Marcus Trescothick*, Alex Wharf
*holds a 12-month central contract