LONDON, Aug 18: Veteran bowler Andrew Caddick is hoping to add experience to England’s youthful seam attack in the third Test against India this week.

Caddick missed the opening matches of the series against India after picking up a side strain in England’s Test against Sri Lanka two months ago.

The injury to Caddick and fellow strike bowler Darren Gough thrust the younger generation into the limelight, with Matthew Hoggard, Simon Jones and Steve Harmison all impressing against India so far.

Caddick insists he does not feel threatened by the emergence of the new breed of bowlers, and believes he can add a vital edge of experience to the youngsters play.

“It’s nice to see young talent coming through,” Caddick said. “There have been a lot of injuries, but it’s given young players an opportunity to come in.

“Simon Jones has bowled well and had a taste of it now and Harmison has also done well. They both know about the rigours of Test cricket now - and they know the work they have to put in.”

Caddick’s return should prove crucial on Headingley’s seamer-friendly wicket as England chase a win that will hand them the series.

England chairman of selectors David Graveney welcomed Caddick back into the fold. “Having him back has to be a positive to the squad,” Graveney said.

“He’s been out for some time and he will want to get back to playing Test cricket on a regular basis, but the younger guys have done well in his absence and have probably gained in confidence.

“Hoggard in particular has done well leading the attack and seems to thrive on the responsibility,” he said.

“People were saying he had lost form, but every time he runs in and bowls plenty of overs and takes a consistent amount of wickets.”—AFP