Schofield released from England squad

Lancashire leg-spinner Chris Schofield has been released from the 14-man England squad ahead of the first Test against the West Indies which starts on Thursday.

The 21-year-old, the only uncapped player to be awarded a central contract at the beginning of the season, was released after practice at Edgbaston on Monday.

He will be available for Lancashire's four-day match against New Zealand A at Liverpool.

Schofield has played two Tests against Zimbabwe this summer, hitting a determined 57 in the draw at Trent Bridge a fortnight ago but disappointing with the ball and finishing with nought for 73.

His early release increases the chances of Glamorgan off-spinner Robert Croft making his return 18 months after he played the last of his 15 Test appearances against Australia in Brisbane.

Kent all-rounder Mark Ealham will compete for the number eight spot with Croft and England are considering releasing a further player tomorrow to enable them to play in the next round of championship matches, starting on Wednesday.