Simon Kerrigan: England recall spinner for India Test at Lord's

Simon Kerrigan's recall comes nearly a year after his only previous international appearance

England have recalled left-arm spinner Simon Kerrigan for the second Test against India at Lord's on Thursday.

The 25-year-old conceded 53 runs from eight overs against Australia at The Oval last August in his only previous appearance.

He has taken 28 County Championship wickets for Lancashire this summer at an average of 34, with a best of 4-68.

Kerrigan was the only addition to the squad that drew the first Test at Trent Bridge on Sunday.

"I would have liked to have bowled better this season but I think it's a work in progress," Kerrigan said.

Talking about the decision to recall Kerrigan, England captain Alastair Cook said: "Clearly he had a tough experience in the one Test he played. He's been good around us and bowled beautifully in the nets (during the first Test).

"We want to have an option in case it's hot and dry at Lord's and might spin more. Simon is a tough lad - he went away with the Lions and did well. I have no doubt in his toughness and he will be a fine bowler for England."

Kerrigan added: "I've learnt more about my action and about the mental side of the game.

"I'm really excited and delighted to get the call up."

England are searching for a frontline spinner following the retirement of Graeme Swann, who took 255 Test wickets, during the Ashes in December.

Part-time off-spinner Moeen Ali has been England's main slow bowler for the first three Tests of the summer, but has taken just seven wickets from 98 overs, with a strike-rate of 84.

After a successful England Lions tour of Sri Lanka in the winter, Kerrigan has played 11 Championship matches for Lancashire this season.

Peter Moores was Kerrigan's coach at Lancashire before he was reappointed as England head coach in April.

England squad: Alastair Cook (Essex, capt), Sam Robson (Middlesex), Gary Ballance (Yorkshire), Ian Bell (Warwickshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Matt Prior (Sussex, wk), Ben Stokes (Durham), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Liam Plunkett (Yorkshire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Simon Kerrigan (Lancashire).