England name strong performance squad

Stuart Broad is named in the performance squad, but could still be heading back to Sri Lanka © Getty Images

England have named their Performance Programme Squad (EPP), formerly the National Academy, for the first half of the 2007-08 season. Five players currently in Sri Lanka with the one-day squad, including Ravi Bopara and Stuart Broad, have been included but can still be considered for the Test squad.

"The Test squad for the Sri Lanka Test series will not be finalised until after the end of the current ODI series," David Graveney, the chairman of selectors, said, "and a number of players within this EPP squad will be considered by the selectors for potential inclusion in the Test squad."

There is a clear emphasis on spin within the 16 names with Adil Rashid, Chris Schofield and James Tredwell earning places. The players will begin their winter work with a two-week camp at Loughborough starting October 29 and then travel to India for a month-long training camp based in Mumbai and Chennai. It is expected that they will play two four-day matches on the trip.

The performance squad will also ensure that stand-by players for the Test team in Sri Lanka are well prepared in case they are needed due to injuries.

England performance squad Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Tim Ambrose (Warwickshire), Ravi Bopara (Essex), Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Leicestershire), Steven Davies (Worcestershire), Joe Denly (Kent), James Hildreth (Somerset), Phil Mustard (Durham), Graham Onions (Durham), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Chris Schofield (Surrey), James Tredwell (Kent), Chris Tremlett (Hampshire), Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire), Luke Wright (Sussex)