The 27-year-old from Durham forced his way into the squad after becoming the leading wicket taker on the county circuit, with 56 victims thus far this season.

Brown is the first player from Durham to make the England side, after Ian Botham retired four years ago.

``He's taken a lot of wickets and had a great season,'' said England chairman of selectors Ray Illingworth, announcing the side.

``A lot of people say there is a lot to bowl at up at Durham, but on the other hand he has taken a lot of wickets away from there as well. He deserves to have a crack if there is chance at all.''

Brown's selection has effectively blocked the possible recall of Yorkshire's Darren Gough.

Opening batsman Nick Knight, who sat out the second and third Tests against India with a cracked index finger, was rewarded for his taming of leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed while scoring an unbeaten 90 during Warwickshire's seven wicket victory aginst Pakistan earlier this week. Knight earns a recall to the side, and will probably play at the expense of Alec Stewart.