The Ashes 2015: Liam Plunkett and Mark Footitt named in England squad ahead of fourth Test

Liam Plunkett and Mark Footitt have been named in the England squad for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia.

Seamer James Anderson is out of the match after suffering a side strain during Australia's second innings on day two at the third Test at Edgbaston.

Adam Lyth retains his spot in the squad despite his paltry return in the series so far.

Yorkshire's Plunkett, 30, has previously played in 13 Test matches, the last of which in June 2014, while Footitt will be line for his England debut.

Durham's Mark Wood has also been named in the squad despite fitness doubts after missing the Third Test with an ankle problem.

But national selector James Whitaker is confident the 25-year-old will recover in time.

"We felt bringing in two extra bowlers in Liam Plunkett and Mark Footitt was necessary," said Whitaker.

"The reports on Wood are positive at this stage and we are hopeful he'll be available for selection on Thursday."

England squad for the fourth Ashes Test:

Alastair Cook (Essex) (Capt), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), Ian Bell (Warwickshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Steven Finn (Middlesex), Mark Footitt (Derbyshire), Adam Lyth (Yorkshire), Liam Plunkett (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Mark Wood (Durham)