John Crawley and Dominic Cork have been recalled to the England squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's on May 16. Crawley, who scored a century on his last appearance against Sri Lanka, at The Oval in 1998, has earned his place after a run-filled month for his new county Hampshire. He has been eager to impress after a high-profile split from his former employers Lancashire, and began the season with a big double-century against Kent.

Cork's renaissance is no less astounding. His international career seemed to be over after a lacklustre display against the 2001 Australians, but he has come back fitter and stronger this season. He enjoys playing at Lord's and in 2000 he guided England to a gripping two-wicket win over West Indies.

Alec Stewart has also earned a reprieve after missing out on a central contract, thanks to an untimely injury to James Foster, who broke his arm in a net session at Chelmsford. And Alex Tudor has come in as a straight replacement for Darren Gough, who was ruled out of selection with a knee injury sustained in the one-day series in New Zealand.

There is, however, no place for the Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell, who has failed to make a mark so far this season, after being drafted into the Test squad in New Zealand.

England XIII