Kent paceman Amjad Khan has been overlooked for a starting place in England's opening Test against India in Chennai on Thursday.

The 28-year-old was called into the 15-man squad as replacement for the injured Ryan Sidebottom but skipper Kevin Pietersen has opted for the three-pronged pace attack of Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison and James Anderson and spinners Graeme Swan and Monty Panesar.

Captain Kevin Pietersen revealed watching Australian off-spinner Jason Krejza, who claimed 12 wickets on his Test debut in Nagpur last month, convinced England two spinners was the best way forward.

He said: "It's a decision we have come to because we think the wicket could spin. We've had a look at it and it probably gives us our best and most attacking option."

Former Kent paceman Martin McCague has paid tribute to Khan for forcing his way into the England set-up.

Khan, who made his Kent debut in 2001, has fought his way back from a career-threatening knee injury and McCague, who played three matches for England and took four wickets when he made his Test debut against Australia in 1993, said: “Amjad has worked very hard to come back from the injury which ruled him out for the entire 2007 season.

"It is hard to break into the England squad when you come from an unfashionable county like Kent.

“He hits the bat a lot harder than you think and, when he gets it right, is up there with the quickest bowlers in the world.”

McCague, who took 388 first class wickets during his 10-year Kent career which ended in 2001, added: “It was a long time ago when I made my England debut but it is a great honour to have those three lions on your shirt.

“The selectors have got to look forward. Amjad has obviously made a good impression and it is great news when a Kent player represents England."