I'm ready to step in for Flintoff, says Jonathan Trott

The South Africa-born batsman and Ryan Sidebottom were added to the squad for the Headingley match, which begins on Friday.

Swing specialist Sidebottom could play in place of either Flintoff or Stuart Broad, who has taken just six wickets in the first three matches of the series - although Steve Harmison is first in line for any fast bowling vacancy later this week.

But it is the presence of Trott among a 14-man squad that surely underlines England's concern over the state of Flintoff's sore right knee.

The selectors were confident enough about his fitness for the Edgbaston Test to name only the bare minimum of batsmen.

This time, though, they are giving themselves the option of replacing 'Super Fred' with an in-form run-getter should their all-rounder not make it.

"Jonathan has performed really well for Warwickshire this season and his inclusion will provide us with the option of playing six batsmen," said national selector Geoff Miller. "But we will continue to monitor Andrew's fitness."

Trott admitted he did not expect to be called up but is eager to play a part as England look for the victory which would win back the urn.

"I was quite surprised to be picked," said the 28-year-old.

"I am delighted to get the nod for the Test match in Leeds - it's exciting and I'm looking forward to it. I'm there as cover if they decide to go with six batters."

Trott's England experience has been limited to just two Twenty20 internationals against West Indies in 2007, when he managed just 11 runs.

However, he impressed on the Academy tour of New Zealand last winter and sparkled for Warwickshire this season scoring three centuries and averaging 99.75 after nine championship matches.

Trott has no fears about returning to the international arena as he believes he has developed as a player.

"I had a little taste of the one-day side in 2007 and hope to use the experience I gained there," he said.

"I didn't have the best of times but I sat down at the end of that season with Warwickshire coach Ashley Giles to form a plan to get back into international cricket and succeed at that level.

"Everything has gone pretty well so far, I worked really hard and have made a few improvements."

Marcus North wants Flintoff to be fit for the last two Ashes Tests so that there can be no complaints from the hosts of being under-strength should they lose.

The Australia all-rounder played a key role in preventing England taking a 2-0 series lead with a determined 96 yesterday to force a draw in the Third Test.

North said: "We want to play the best side we can play against when we play any other country. We have already seen the impact that Andrew Flintoff has had on this series."

He had a quiet game with the ball but he had that explosive innings with the bat.

"We want to walk away, taking the Ashes back home, beating a full‑strength England side."

North believes his side can turn the series around and added: "We know if we play our best cricket, we can walk away winning Test matches against any opponent."

Monty Panesar has been left out with no likelihood of England playing two spinners at Headingley.

Squad: Strauss (capt), Cook, Bopara, Bell, Collingwood, Prior (wkt), Trott, Flintoff, Broad, Swann, Anderson, Onions, Harmison, Sidebottom