The England cricket selectors are banking on the vibrancy and big match temperaments of the Hollioakes to help keep them in the Ashes fight. Both brothers, Adam - at 25, the elder of the two - and Ben, still only 19, are included in a squad of 13, announced yesterday morning, for the fifth Test at Trent Bridge which starts on Thursday.

Unless there is anything particularly unseemly about the pitch, both are likely to play.

"It is an injection of new blood to go with those who have achieved in the past," said the chairman of selectors David Graveney, who recognises that anything less than a win and it will need an injection of a different sort into the veins of what slender hopes remain of regaining the Ashes.

Three players have been omitted made from the side that faltered so badly at Headingley, with Mike Smith returning to Gloucestershire and the Marks, Ealham and Butcher making way.

But in addition to the Hollioakes, Andy Caddick, left out of the final XI at Headingley, will return to the side after taking wickets for Somerset against Australia, and Devon Malcolm stands by in case an injury to Darren Gough, who did not bowl during Northamptonshire's second innings at Headingley on Saturday, proves more troublesome than is thought.

The Hollioakes have arrived at the pinnacle sooner rather than later and on the basis of promise rather than achievement for their county, Surrey.