The England Board XI (ECB XI) today named eight newcomers in a 13-man squad for the Triple Crown Tournament against Scotland, Ireland and Wales in Dublin next month.

The ECB XI, which is drawn from players taking part in the ECB 38 County Competition, will be defending the trophy which they won in Glasgow last summer.

Three of the eight newcomers have played for First Class Counties: Jason Harrison (ex-Middlesex) David Pennett (ex-Nottinghamshire) and Steve Dearden (ex-Lancashire). Richard Halsall has also played First Class Cricket for Cambridge University.

Andrew Pugh (Devon), Chris Mole (Sussex), Chris Boroughs (Herefordshire), and John Carruthers (Yorkshire) are the other four new additions to the squad which will be coached by the ECB's National Coach West, Keith Tomlins.

Four members of last year's successful ECB XI squad are currently on the staff of First Class Counties: Alan Richardson, Charles Dagnall (both Warwickshire), Ian Bishop (Surrey) and Darren Scott (Kent)

Prior to the Triple Crown Tournament in Dublin on June 29/30/1, the team will play two warm-up matches at Shenley in Hertfordshire against the South African Cavaliers on June 17 and an International MCC side on June 18.

ECB XI Squad for Triple Crown Tournament in Dublin, June 29/30/1

Richard Halsall - Sussex
Jason Harrison - Lincolnshire
Steve Foster (Captain) - Yorkshire
Richard Hignett - Cheshire
Andrew Pugh - Devon
David Clarke - Bedfordshire
Chris Mole (WK) - Sussex
Chris Boroughs - Herefordshire
Steve Dearden - Lancashire
David Pennett - Cumbria
Richard Ellwood - Cumbria
John Carruthers - Yorkshire
Keith Arnold - Oxfordshire

RESERVES

Ajaz Akhtar - Cambridgeshire
Alex Richards - Essex
Mark Bainbridge - Surrey
Andrew Griffin (WK) - Hertfordshire

OFFICIALS

Keith Tomlins - Coach
Alan Wilson - Manager
Les Freeman - Scorer
Rob Saint - Physiotherapist
Danny Window - Administrator