England today called up two extra batsmen for the NatWest Series which starts this Thursday - Glamorgan's Matthew Maynard and the uncapped Marcus Trescothick of Somerset.

Marcus Trescothick Photo © AllSport

The pair have been added to the existing 14-man squad following injuries to Nasser Hussain (left thumb) and Nick Knight (right index finger).

Chairman of Selectors, David Graveney, said: "Both players have been called up to the party as short-term cover and will be available for selection for England's first two matches in the tournament this weekend.

"We will determine whether they stay with the squad once we have assessed everyone's fitness before our match against Zimbabwe at Old Trafford next Thursday.

Alec Stewart, who led the Test side at Lord's, will act as captain of the One-Day team until Nasser Hussain is fit to return after injury.

Andrew Flintoff, who missed the Lord's Test with a back injury, is expected to play for Lancashire in their NatWest Trophy fourth round match against Essex this Wednesday.

David Graveney added: "We will monitor Andrew's fitness after that match with a view to him joining up with the rest of the squad for practice on Thursday."

England Squad for The NatWest Series 2000

Players                                D.O.B.    ODIs                  
Nasser Hussain (Captain) (Essex)      28.03.68    42
Andrew Caddick (Somerset)             21.11.68    18
Robert Croft (Glamorgan)              25.05.70    44
Mark Ealham (Kent)                    27.08.69    48
Andrew Flintoff (Lancashire)          06.12.77     9   
Paul Franks (Nottinghamshire)         03.02.79     0
Darren Gough (Yorkshire)              18.09.70    74
Graeme Hick(Worcestershire)           23.05.66   105               
Nick Knight (Warwickshire)            28.11.69    53
Matthew Maynard (Glamorgan)           21.03.66    10
Alan Mullally (Hampshire)             12.07.69    34
Vikram Solanki (Worcestershire)       01.04.76     8
Alec Stewart (Surrey)                 08.04.63   125
Graham Thorpe (Surrey)                01.08.69    53
Marcus Trescothick (Somerset)         25.12.75     0
Craig White (Yorkshire)               16.12.69    23