England recall Hoggard for Lord's Test

LONDON, England (AP) -- Matthew Hoggard has been recalled to the England squad for the opening Test against New Zealand at Lord's, starting on Thursday.

The Yorkshire swing bowler was dropped during England's 2-1 series victory in New Zealand but has returned to form this season.

He is named in a squad of 12 for the first two of three tests against the Black Caps. The second is at Old Trafford starting on May 23.

Paul Collingwood was also included, despite poor form with the bat and a right shoulder injury. The team will be led by Michael Vaughan, who has failed to make a half-century yet this season.

Andrew Flintoff was ruled out because of a side strain and there was no place in the bowling attack for Steve Harmison, whose form had been poor since a strong performance in the 2005 Ashes series win over Australia.

"Despite being faced with some injury concerns we've named what we think is an extremely strong England Test squad," said national selector Geoff Miller.

"Paul Collingwood received treatment to his right shoulder on Friday and we now need to see how he responds to that treatment before we have a definite idea of his availability for the first Test.

"At this stage it's too early to say whether he will definitely play as he will be reassessed in the lead up to Thursday."

The third Test is at Trent Bridge June 5-9.

Squad: Michael Vaughan (captain), Andrew Strauss, Alistair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Tim Ambrose, Stuart Broad, Ryan Sidebottom, James Anderson, Monty Panesar, Matthew Hoggard.

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