Smith batting on Saturday for Kent against South Africa Profile: Ed Smith Verdict: Jonathan Agnew

With Darren Gough retiring, Chapple will compete with James Kirtley for the seam-bowling spot, with Batty likely to miss out unless England feel his claims are stronger than Ashley Giles's.

The selectors have gone for Smith, rather than Graham Thorpe, under an injury cloud, or the tried and tested Robert Key or John Crawley because they feel he is in prime form.

Smith, who spent one winter playing baseball in the USA, has been told he will definitely play at Trent Bridge.

Surrey seamer James Ormond might also have come into the squad instead of Chapple, but he was also suffering an injury.

Meanwhile, veterans Alec Stewart and Nasser Hussain, as expected, retain their spots in the middle order, with Stewart again keeping wicket.

Commenting on the squad, selector Geoff Miller said: "We were looking for continuity as much as possible.

"And even though we didn't perform well in the first two npower Tests the players we picked we naturally feel are the best to play for England.

"Ed Smith is in prime form and fully deserves his chance having hit six centuries for Kent this year.

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"He will play in place of Anthony McGrath who did very well against Zimbabwe but struggled a bit with his form against South Africa.

"He has been an excellent team man and hopefully he will resurrect his form in county cricket - he is certainly not out of our thoughts for future England team selections.

"And finally we have picked Gareth Batty and Glen Chapple as extra spin and quick bowling options, both of whom have performed well this season for their respective counties."