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Four changes in England squad for fourth Test

It's the night of the long knives, all over again, as England made four changes to its lineup for the fourth and final Test against New Zealand starting at the Oval on Thursday.

Three debutants -- Darren Maddy, Graeme Swann and Ed Giddins -- are among five changes made from the squad that turned in a lackluster performance at the Old Trafford in the third Test.

Four players who were in the side at Old Trafford have been dropped. Interestingly, this list includes opener Mark Butcher -- who, for the third Test, actually led the side in the absence of Nasser Hussain. Indication enough that the England selectors are clueless -- a player seen as good enough to lead his national side one day doesn't get axed a week later, not unless there are drastic problems within the ranks.

The others to go are Graeme Hick (brought in for the third Test to 'add experience), wicketkeeper Chris Read and off-spinner Peter Such.

The fifth omission from the third Test team is paceman Dean Headley, who was ruled out by a shoulder injury.

Hussain, who broke a finger while fielding at Lord's, makes his comback in charge of a reshaped side for the deciding match with the series level at 1-1.

In addition to the inclusion of the uncapped trio, England has recalled pace-bowling all-rounder Ronnie Irani, Hussain's Essex teammate, whose only two tests were in the 1996 home series against India.

Maddy, who will take over from Butcher as Michael Atherton's opening partner, was picked for the one-day home series against South Africa early last season, making one in his only innings. His improved form for his county Leicestershire has helped him to earn his test chance.

Swann is a 20-year-old off-spinner and attacking middle order batsman, a prospect for the future who went on the 1998-99 England A tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Pace bowler Giddins is rebuilding his career at Warwickshire after being suspended for 18 months by the English cricket authorities, who found him guilty in 1996 while he was with Sussex of using cocaine, a banned substance.

With Read dropped, Alec Stewart will resume the role of wicketkeeper and bat in the middle order, allowing England to have more bowling options by including Irani.