ENGLAND have called up Durham spinner Scott Borthwick to their Ashes Test squad following the retirement of Graeme Swann.
The ECB have also promoted James Tredwell to the touring party for the final two Tests of the series.
Uncapped leg-spinner Borthwick will be available, alongside slow left-armer Monty Panesar, for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Tredwell, who has played just one Test - more than three years ago in Bangladesh - will also report to Melbourne but not in time to figure in the fourth Test.
England have already lost the Ashes, conceding an unassailable 3-0 lead to their hosts after a third successive wide-margin defeat in Perth last week.
It is highly unlikely that two spinners would be considered at the MCG, but possible for the final Test in Sydney.
An ECB press release read: "Borthwick will arrive into Melbourne later today, will train with England...and will be available for selection for the (fourth) Test, beginning on Boxing Day.
"Tredwell will arrive in Melbourne during the fourth Test and will be available for selection for the final Test in Sydney beginning on January 3."
Panesar remains the likeliest replacement for Swann in the first instance, for the final two matches of what has been a tough series for England.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here