Silverwood Handed England Call Up

Silverwood has been called up to join the squad following Jones' accident during the opening Ashes Test when he ruptured the cruciate ligaments in his right knee, which is expected to keep him out for six months.

The tourists' management decided against naming a replacement immediately and instead opted to assess their options before choosing Silverwood, whose last Test appearance was against South Africa in Centurion nearly three years ago.

He will fly out to Australia on Sunday and will join up with the rest of the squad on Tuesday in Hobart, where England are due to play a three-day match against Australia A starting next Friday.

Silverwood said: "It's every cricketer's dream to play in the Ashes and I'm no exception. It's going to be hard work but I'm looking forward to it and hopefully I can try and force my way into the Test side.

"I didn't have anything planned this winter so this is a nice bonus. I'm feeling fit as I've been working out in the gym and doing plenty of swimming to keep myself in shape.

"England got to the final in Hong Kong and I felt that I bowled really well out there - I was bowling fast and getting the ball in the right areas and that's what I'll be looking to do in Australia."

Chairman of selectors David Graveney added: "We see Chris as a like-for-like replacement for Simon Jones."