Trescothick and Flintoff will not go to Zimbabwe

Andrew Flintoff and Marcus Trescothick will miss England's controversial tour of Zimbabwe this winter.

England have named a 14-man squad for the November tour with Flintoff and Trescothick rested.

Ashley Giles was also invited to rest but he decided to tour and Kevin Pietersen and Matthew Prior have received call-ups for the first time.

England and Wales Cricket Board chairman David Morgan said: "We do not condone the situation in Zimbabwe."

The BBC's Jonathan Agnew: Tour will benefit no-one

The ECB said the option of resting captain Michael Vaughan for the five one-day internationals they will play in Zimbabwe was also discussed.

Vaughan said he was not happy with the political situation in Zimbabwe but did not want to shirk a captain's responsibilities.

He said: "Under normal circumstances, I would have welcomed an extended break after a long international season.

The ECB has faced up to the knowledge the tour to Zimbabwe must go ahead in the absence of firm instruction from government to the contrary David Morgan Itinerary: England in Zimbabwe

"But the England team and the game as a whole are faced with an extraordinary situation in undertaking this tour to Zimbabwe.

"I am proud to be captain of my country and I feel that I have a duty to my team-mates to lead the team on this tour.

"It has taken me considerable time and effort to come to this decision, but ultimately it was my choice and one that I stand by."

Ian Bell is a direct replacement for Anthony McGrath, who was part of the Champions Trophy squad but has been dropped despite not playing a single game in the tournament.

South African-born batsman Pietersen only qualifies to play for England in October.

And Sussex wicket-keeper Prior has been included ahead of Chris Read and James Foster.

Zimbabwe comment: Grant Flower

There had been suggestions England would overlook veteran bowler Darren Gough after his unimpressive display in the Champions Trophy final but he has been given another chance.

"I'm used to getting written off. I didn't bowl at my best in the final but I did well against Australia.

"When I'm not good enough I'll know I'm not good enough and I'll walk away like I did with Test cricket," he said.

Spinner Ashley Giles explained his decision to go on the tour by saying it was important to support Vaughan and the rest of the squad.

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"I also believed there were compelling cricketing reasons for me to go as I have now secured a regular place in our one-day side and I am keen to retain my position within the team," he added.

As well as the Zimbabwe tour, England also named a 15-man squad for the New Year trip to South Africa.

Flintoff, Trescothick and Steve Harmison, who had already made himself unavailable for Zimbabwe, will return. Warwickshire's Bell is in both squads while Kabir Ali is set to tour South Africa.

Squad for Zimbabwe: Michael Vaughan (captain), James Anderson, Gareth Batty, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Ashley Giles, Darren Gough, Geraint Jones, Simon Jones, Kevin Pietersen, Matthew Prior, Vikram Solanki, Andrew Strauss, Alex Wharf.