Strauss dropped by England

The Middlesex batsman, 30, has averaged just 27 over the past year and has paid the price for his poor form - yet there is no recall for Surrey's Mark Ramprakash despite another outstanding domestic season.

England have named just 15 in their travelling party, with four uncapped players and two wicketkeepers - Matt Prior and Phil Mustard - included.

Nottinghamshire's Graeme Swann is rewarded for his performances in the recent one-day series against Sri Lanka, with the second spinner's slot behind Monty Panesar.

Pace bowler Stuart Broad, also of Nottinghamshire, gets an opportunity to push for a first Test cap - while Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara is also included.

Pace spearhead Steve Harmison, who has not played since a hernia operation in the summer, is included but must first prove his fitness in a short stint in South African domestic cricket.

England chairman of selectors David Graveney said: "We have chosen a balanced squad which includes a number of experienced Test players, together with several young players who performed well in the recent one-day series in Sri Lanka.

"Stephen Harmison is scheduled to play two four-day matches for Highveld Lions in mid-November and he will join the tour party in Sri Lanka subject to him proving he has regained form and fitness following his back injury in the summer.

"Andrew Strauss needs to recover his best form and he has not been included in the squad on this occasion."

Captain Michael Vaughan and seamer Matthew Hoggard both return after sitting out the one-day series.