England play three warm-up matches before the first Test, starting against Western Australia in Perth on 5 November.

BBC: England captain Andrew Strauss confident of Ashes win

India next play England A at Chelmsford in a three-day game starting on Friday, their final warm-up for the first Test at Lord's on 19 July.

BBC: Sussex hang on to deny India win

Wood's inclusion means that over a third of England's starting line-up will get their first experience of playing a Test in Cardiff, with Ben Foden, Chris Ashton, Shontayne Hape, Ben Youngs and Dan Cole also new to the Millennium Stadium Test experience.

BBC: Six Nations: Tindall leads England as Wood handed debut

West Indies will play Queensland in a four-day game starting on 18 November, their only warm-up fixture before the opening Test in Brisbane.

BBC: Gayle returns as Windies skipper

It is debateable whether any of them did enough to force their way into the Test side, although Monye, a late call-up to the starting side for the unwell Shane Williams, remains favourite for the left-wing role.

BBC: Southern Kings 8-20 Lions

He could replace the struggling Paul Collingwood in the starting line-up or come in for bowler Ryan Sidebottom, who could be a doubt for the Test due to a stiff back.

BBC: Flintoff returns to England squad

Their next warm-up game is a three-day contest against Otago starting on Thursday, to finish off preparations for the first Test, starting on 5 March.

BBC: Shah enhances England Test claims