Morgan in England's Test side, to miss IPL play-offs

Morgan will not be available for Kolkata Knight Riders for the Indian Premier League (IPL) play-offs.

Morgan was selected in the 12-man squad after he scored 193 for England Lions against Sri Lanka early this week at Derby. The left-hander had earlier said that he will fly back to play in the IPL if he is not picked in the Test team. All-rounder Ravi Bopara was also in the race for the No. 6 slot vacated by Paul Collingwood but selectors opted for the Irish-born cricketer.

"We believe we have selected a very strong squad for the first Test," national selector Geoff Miller said here Sunday.

"Eoin Morgan impressed us last summer when he was given his opportunity in the Test side and has worked hard on his game throughout the tour of Australia. He has the opportunity to play a role in the Test team."

Morgan has played in six Tests and his last match was against Pakistan at Lord's last year.
The selectors picked Steven Finn in place of the injured Tim Bresnan in the bowling department.

"This season I have felt a lot better than before and there is a marked improvement on where I was in Australia during the Ashes," said Finn.

The squad: Andrew Strauss (captain), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Chris Tremlett, James Anderson, Steven Finn.