Udal, who took four key wickets in England's series-tying victory over India two months ago, was given the news from selector David Graveney.

"David said if England do consider two spinners at Edgbaston then my name's going to be one at the top of the list.

"I would be extremely disappointed if we picked two spinners and I wasn't the second one," Udal told BBC Sport.

Udal, 37, is the only man to have played a Test over the last six months to miss out on a place in the 25-man group.

He has slipped a spot down the pecking order behind Monty Panesar, who took two wickets in the drawn first Test with Sri Lanka at Lord's.

But he believes his ability as a batsman and fielder still make him the ideal replacement with Ashley Giles expected to take until July to recover from a hernia.

"It didn't surprise me -- it's a development squad, which means it's something for the future with guys that are going to be playing for England in years to come," he said.

"Monty is basically just a bowler. He has worked very hard on his fielding and he continues to work hard on his batting.

"But, without being cruel, it's going to be a few years until he will get up the order, bat at number eight and be as accomplished a cricketer as Ashley is."