Shahzad ruled out of Pakistan opener

Ajmal Shahzad was ruled out on Wednesday of the England squad for the first Test against Pakistan, starting at Trent Bridge here on Thursday, with an ankle injury.

Shahzad's place in a 12-man squad has been taken by fellow Yorkshire seam bowler Tim Bresnan.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief medical officer Nick Peirce said in a statement: "After twisting his left ankle with Yorkshire over a week ago Ajmal went on to successfully play in a 40-over match for his county last Monday.

"Unfortunately Ajmal felt some discomfort following England practice at the NCPC (National Cricket Performance Centre) on Tuesday and as a precautionary measure it is felt he is best to undergo rehabilitation on the ankle for the remainder of this week.

"We expect Ajmal to make a full recovery, he hasn't been ruled unavailable for the second Test starting next week (at Edgbaston). He will continue to be assessed this week before a decision on his fitness is made."

Shahzad, 25, has so far played just one Test, against Bangladesh in Manchester last month, where he took four wickets in the match for 63 runs.

It appeared he was in line to miss out on selection for the team for the first of a four-Test series against Pakistan, given England's preference for playing only four specialist bowlers.

However, some impressive displays during England's one-day series win against Bangladesh had seen Shahzad put himself in competition for a Test place with the likes of James Anderson.