Finally England can unleash their best team
Well, it took a rather calamitous second Test at Headingley to realise it, but England can now finally lock horns with South Africa this morning with their best team on show.
With the top order batting the problem, dropping Paul Collingwood for the second Test was never the answer and it’s no surprise to see him back in the eleven for Edgbaston.
What the selectors were thinking at Headingley, I don’t know, but there can not be any complaints about the 11 picked here.
Steve Harmison may be in form for Durham, but England’s four best bowlers are on view in Birmingham this week, while Collingwood’s recall strengthens the batting line-up.
Tired
Stuart Broad is the unlucky man to be left out, but this needn’t be a negative selection. Broad remains raw when it comes to Test experience but has done extremely well when called upon. Although he batted superbly, I just got the feeling his bowling action was looking tired at Headingley and it’s time to refresh.
To beat South Africa, England are going to need to take 20 wickets and you can look no further than the likes of Ryan Sidebottom, Andrew Flintoff, James Anderson and Monty Panesar to get you those wickets.
Crucial Toss
This is not a kick in the teeth for Stuart, it’s a sensible way of dealing with, arguably, the brightest prospect in English cricket.
Historically, England have done well at Edgbaston. The crowd are vocal and always get behind the side, and England generally respond with a decent display. If the weather holds out, we should see a decent Test match, although the toss is crucial.
If Michael Vaughan can win that and take advantage of the early batting advantage with a score of 400- plus, then England will be favourites to level the series.
Edgbaston is a two-paced pitch which will keep low throughout. It is liable to crack and may offer some turn, meaning the team batting last will have a difficult task.
The South Africans will also miss fast bowler Dale Steyn far more than England will miss their absentees.
As much as they talk up Andre Nel, he’s not as potent as Steyn and England certainly won’t mind the enforced change.