Ashes 2013: Pietersen Recovery Hits Overdrive as Warner Returns

England batsman Kevin Pietersen remains a doubt for the third Ashes Test against Australia at Old Trafford after James Taylor was recalled as back-up.

Pietersen has been nursing a calf strain since the end of the second test nine days ago and was pictured on Sunday undergoing substantial cold therapy treatment in a bid to regain full fitness.

Taylor scored 121 not out for Sussex against Australia in the weekend's tour match, thus earning himself a recall into the England squad for the first time since last summer's series defeat to South Africa while he has averaged 53.56 with the bat in the County Championship in 2013 for Nottinghamshire.

Steven Finn has however been dropped from the squad for the third Test having been replaced by Tim Bresnan at Lord's.

Finn took just two wickets in the opening match at Trent Bridge and has been sent back to Middlesex to work on his bowling.

Surrey's Chris Tremlett, without a Test appearance since 2011 due to knee and back injuries, is recalled to the squad while Monty Ponesar, who took 3-40 in the tour game against Australia, also returns.

The breadth of the 14-man squad leaves coach Andy Flower with a selection dilemma heading into the third Test, with injury concerns to juggle along with the decision over whether to field two spinners.

National Selector Geoff Miller said: "The players worked hard at Trent Bridge and Lord's to get into a very good position in this Investec Ashes Series but will be fully aware that there is still a great deal of cricket left in the series.

"The players have had some time this week to recover following back-to-back Tests and an opportunity to work on aspects of their game and they will arrive in Manchester determined to build on their performances over the last two Tests.

"Kevin Pietersen is continuing his recovery from a calf strain and he will be assessed by the medical team closer to the start of the Test and we have therefore included an extra batsman in James Taylor who has been in good form for Nottinghamshire this season.

"Chris Tremlett has worked hard to regain fitness and form following a couple of injuries and his performances for Surrey this season have been very encouraging.

"Including an additional spinner in Monty Panesar who has plenty of international experience provides Alastair Cook and Andy Flower with a number of options."

England lead the best of five match series 2-0 after a 14-run win at Trent Bridge and a 347-run victory at Lord's.

To assist in keeping the series alive, Australia have recalled David Warner to their squad for the third Test.

After being suspended for punching England's Joe Root in a bar during the Champions Trophy, Warner missed the first two Tests and returned to Australia to gain match practice, scoring 193 against South A last week.

Australia have failed to score a century in the series so far and coach Darren Lehmann said in making a ton against South Africa A, Warner has done everything he can to earn a recall.

"He got 193 and played well, did exactly what we wanted him to do," he said.

"We want blokes to make hundreds, and he's ticked that box. We'll have to look at the wicket and what we come up with in the top six."

Amid the troubles of Chris Rogers and Phil Hughes, who average 22.25 and 27.66 respectively with the bat in the series, Ed Cowen scored 66 and 77 not out against Sussex to stake a claim for a return to the side.

Cowan made 0 and 14 in the first Test and was replaced by Usman Khawaja but credible scores in both innings at Hove has improved his chance of featuring at Old Trafford according to Lehmann.

"Yeah, it does [his chances good]," the Australia coach said. "He batted really well both innings.

"We'd love him to get a big hundred and really put pressure on, but it does his chances good."