Michael Vaughan has expressed his delight at having all-rounder Paul Collingwood back in his side to face South Africa.
Skipper delighted to have Collingwood back for Edgbaston Test
Captain Michael Vaughan has expressed his delight at having all-rounder Paul Collingwood back in his side for the crucial third Test against South Africa at Edgbaston.
England announced their starting XI at Edgbaston earlier on Tuesday - Collingwood recalled to the side in place of Stuart Broad (rested) and Ryan Sidebottom replacing the axed Darren Pattinson.
Collingwood's all-round talents will be a vital part of England's hopes of levelling the four-Test series at 1-1, especially with the decision made to revert back to a four-man bowling attack.
Vaughan believes Collingwood's medium pace will be a "useful", if not hugely threatening weapon to have at his disposal and will help relieve the pressure on pace trio James Anderson, Ryan Sidebottom and Andrew Flintoff.
Speaking on
Sky Sports News, Vaughan said: "It's good to have Colly back, he'll bat at number six, Freddie at seven and Tim Ambrose number eight.
"We just feel that Ryan's back, Jimmy's been bowling very well and Freddie is Freddie. We've gone with the balance of four bowlers with a little bit of Paul Collingwood's bowling this week.
Real force
"I just think we just looked a little bit weak last week but also this week on this kind of pitch Monty will do a lot more bowling.
"I think Colly's style of bowling could be useful. I don't think he'll get the bagful of wickets but it could be useful."
The selection for Wednesday's Test saw Durham paceman Steve Harmison miss out on a recall to the starting XI after his call-up to the 13-man squad.
With the Edgbaston pitch expected to accommodate the swing bowlers, Vaughan feels that the three-pronged pace attack should be a "real force" for the Proteas to deal with.
Despite not being able to force his way back into the side, Vaughan praised Harmison for the way he has bounced back to take 75 wickets for county Durham this summer.
"I think it's a testament to the way that Steve has bowled this year for Durham that we have got him back in the 13 and unfortunately this week he couldn't make the 11," he said.
Intent
"Who is to say that at The Oval the week after he doesn't make the 11? So it's a good thing for Steve to be back in the 13 but unfortunately for him he doesn't make the 11 - it's good to have him back in the ranks though.
"And with Siddy, Jimmy and Freddie - three outstanding bowlers for us in the last year and certainly Freddie for the last number of years.
"They should be a real force for the South Africans to deal with - certainly if it seams which it looks like it will do."
Vaughan also signalled his, and his players intent to bounce back from their humiliating 10-wicket defeat at Headingley with a vastly improved showing at Edgbaston.
"The key this week is to try and bat well in the first innings - try to get them under pressure," he said.
"We need to allow the likes of Siddy, Jimmy and Freddie to do their stuff and obviously try and bring Monty into the game.
"We're all a very focused set of players who want to put it right. We didn't perform to our standards last week and we know we have to do that this week.
"It's 1-0 with two to play so we have to produce a performance this week."
