Bell, Swann fit for second New Zealand Test

LONDON (AFP) –

England batsman Ian Bell (R) plays a shot as New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling looks on during the first day of the first cricket Test between the sides at Lord’s cricket ground in north-west London on May 16, 2013. England on Tuesday named an unchanged squad for the second Test against New Zealand at Headlingley, after Bell and spin bowler Graeme Swann both overcame illness.

England on Tuesday named an unchanged squad for the second Test against New Zealand at Headlingley, after batsman Ian Bell and spin bowler Graeme Swann both overcame illness.

Bell had been the biggest doubt after coming down with influenza during England’s first-Test victory at Lord’s last week.

He spent substantial time off the pitch and batted down at number eight in the second innings, while Swann complained of nausea on the fourth morning.

Seamer Tim Bresnan was also named in the 12-man squad for his home Test at Headingley and is bidding to make his first Test appearance since undergoing elbow surgery in February.

England selector Geoff Miller said he was encouraged by England’s 170-run victory at Lord’s, but predicted a taxing assignment in the second Test against a New Zealand side who held England to three draws on home soil two months ago.

(L-R) England’s Steven Finn, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Nick Compton and Joe Root (facing away) celebrate winning the first Test against New Zealand by 170 runs at Lord’s in north-west London on May 19, 2013. England on Tuesday named an unchanged squad for the second Test against New Zealand at Headlingley, after batsman Ian Bell and spin bowler Graeme Swann both overcame illness.

“It was pleasing to start the international summer with a win over New Zealand in the first Investec Test, and I thought the team showed a lot of fighting spirit when under pressure to set up the victory,” he said.

“We are aware there are still areas that we need to improve on, and the players and coaches will be working hard before the second Test to ensure we continue to get better as a side.

“New Zealand showed again that they are a dangerous side, and we know we will need to produce another strong performance this week to secure a series victory.”

England squad for the second Test against New Zealand at Headingley, starting on Friday:

Alastair Cook (capt), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Nick Compton, Steven Finn, Matt Prior (wkt), Joe Root, Graeme Swann, Jonathan Trott