Strauss left out of England test squad for Sri Lanka

LONDON, Oct 19 (Reuters) Batsman Andrew Strauss has been surprisingly axed from the 15-man England squad for the forthcoming test series in Sri Lanka.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) handed places in the squad to four uncapped players in Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Phil Mustard and Graeme Swann after their displays in the one-day series victory. Owais Shah is also included.

''Andrew Strauss needs to recover his best form and he has not been included in the squad on this occasion,'' chairman of selectors David Graveney said.

''We fully anticipate that he will have a major role to play with England in the next 12 months and he will be considered for the tour of New Zealand in the New Year.'' Strauss, a key figure in England's Ashes triumph in 2005, captained England the following year in the absences of Michael Vaughan and Andrew Flintoff.

Michael Vaughan (captain), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Alastair Cook, Matthew Hoggard, Philip Mustard, Monty Panesar, Kevin Pietersen, Matthew Prior, Owais Shah, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann.

REUTERS BJR HT1712