Nottinghamshire trio Stuart Broad, Ryan Sidebottom and Graeme Swann’s hopes of playing for England against Australia received a big boost today after they were named in the 16-man squad for a pre-Ashes training camp.

The squad will be trimmed down to 12 ahead of the first Test at Cardiff on July 8, with the announcement due on July 6.

While Broad and Swann have become integral parts of the international squad since the end of last season, Sidebottom has only just returned to action following surgery on his Achilles in the spring.

But the 31-year-old looked back to his best during the ICC World Twenty20 and his left-arm action could provide some crucial variation once the eagerly-awaited series gets underway.

Notts Director of Cricket Mick Newell said: “Clearly all three players are at the front of the England selectors’ thoughts. I’m sure they are all eagerly looking forward to the Ashes getting underway.”

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff is back in the fold after his latest injury, while leg-spinner Adil Rashid is also included in the 16 after playing his part in the ICC World Twenty20.

Notable omissions include Michael Vaughan and Steve Harmison, although the Durham paceman has been picked for the England Lions’ three-day game against the Aussies next week.

National selector Geoff Miller said: “The pre-Ashes camp is designed to give Andy Flower and the rest of the management team an opportunity to meet with the players ahead of their series and begin their preparations in earnest.

“We will continue to consider players outside the 16 chosen for the camp and will closely monitor performances in domestic cricket as the international season progresses. The door has not been closed on any player at this stage.

“We are pleased to welcome Andrew Flintoff and Ryan Sidebottom back to the Test squad after recovering from injury and Adil Rashid’s inclusion reflects our view that he is maturing all the time as a cricketer and has the potential to develop still further.”

England Test squad for pre-Ashes camp
Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Alastair Cook, Andrew Flintoff, Graham Onions, Monty Panesar, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Adil Rashid, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann.

England XI to face Warwickshire
Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss (capt), Ravi Bopara, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Andrew Flintoff, Matt Prior (wkt), Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Monty Panesar.

England Lions squad to face Australia
Joe Denly, Stephen Moore, Vikram Solanki, Ian Bell (capt), Eoin Morgan, Steven Davies (wkt), Adil Rashid, Tim Bresnan, Sajid Mahmood, Steve Harmison, Graham Onions.