LONDON, May 23: Off-spinner Gareth Batty has been added to England’s squad for the first Test against Bangladesh at Lord’s starting on Thursday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Monday. Batty will provide cover for left-arm spinner Ashley Giles who is struggling with a hip injury.

“Ashley’s fitness will be re-assessed by the England medical team tomorrow when the Test squad reports for practice and Gareth has been added to the squad as a precautionary measure,” chairman of selectors David Graveney said in a statement.

The 27-year-old Batty has played five Tests, the last in 2004 against West Indies in St John’s when Brian Lara scored a world record 400 not out.—Reuters