HAMPSHIRE'S Kevin Pietersen, Dimitri Mascarenhas and Chris Tremlett have been selected to join England's forthcoming tour of New Zealand.

Michael Carberry has also been called up to the 13-man England Lions squad to tour India starting at the end of January.

The announcement of the full squads was made by chairman of selectors David Graveney at Lord's.

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said of the quartet's selection: "This is fantastic news for Hampshire and all four of its England representatives.

"Chris and Dimi can be justifiably proud of the England team management's continued recognition of their undeniable talents and Carbs continues his emergence as a real contender for the senior squad.

"All three players have been working incredibly hard over the first half of our winter.

"Dimi has been an ever-present in the gym and nets here at The Rose Bowl, while Chris and Carbs have been put through their paces with the England Performance Programme squad in India.

"KP (Pietersen) obviously deserves to maintain his role at the heart of England's batting line-up and I'd like to wish all four players, together with the rest of the England boys, successful trips to India and New Zealand respectively."

Meanwhile, Matt Prior has been dropped from the England squads.

The 25-year-old Sussex wicketkeeper paid the price for a below-par performance in the Test series defeat in Sri Lanka last month when he was guilty of costly errors in the field.

Warwickshire's Tim Ambrose has been called up, with Durham's Philip Mustard retaining his place in the squad.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney said: "Tim Ambrose fully deserves an opportunity at this level following impressive performances for the England Performance squad in India before Christmas and for Warwickshire last season.

Ambrose was called into the Test and one-day squads, while James Tredwell was brought into the one-day squad.

Andrew Strauss was recalled into the Test squad after missing out in Sri Lanka and will join up with the tour party in New Zealand after playing for Northern Knights in the State Shield and Twenty20 competitions.

"Andrew Strauss needed a break from international cricket in our view and he will now be keen to re-establish himself in the Test side," said Graveney.

Sussex batsman Michael Yardy has been named as captain of the England Lions squad which will compete in The Duleep Trophy in India. Monty Panesar will tour India with the Lions before joining England's squad in New Zealand.