Paul Collingwood restores unity

The Durham all-rounded looked distraught the week before last when told he was out of the team for the npower Second Test against South Africa. And captain Michael Vaughan admitted after a 10-wicket hammering there was a lack of unity about a side that clearly missed Collingwood's presence.

But this week at Edgbaston, in a match England must win to keep alive their hopes of taking the series, Collingwood will be back in his usual No6 spot and on hand to help out a four-man attack.

"It wasn't a straightforward choice because we had the option of going with five bowlers," said Vaughan after announcing an XI that also included Ryan Sidebottom who was ruled out of the Leeds Test with a back problem, but was missing both Steve Harmison and Stuart Broad.

"But we felt depth in batting would help. I'm confident we can produce a performance to get the result we want this week.

"Paul has obviously struggled of late but still averages over 40 in Test cricket and has scored a double hundred against Australia. And he brings his fielding, his energy and his bowling, which on this kind of pitch could be useful.

"He's just a good man to have around. Paul's very mature and a good thinker about the game. He knows he needs to start scoring some runs, as a few of us do, but it's good to have him back.

"I don't think he's a magician. He just wants to go out there and play a good game of cricket. Hopefully, he can get a big score for us."

Vaughan was unable to name the Headingley side until just before start of play. And when he did, the shock selection of Anglo-Aussie Darren Pattinson surprised most people. This time, though, England have put their cards on the table as early as possible.

"It always creates clarity when you can announce the team in advance," said Vaughan. "It's always nice to know the day before you are playing so you can prepare your mind and get focused."

Vaughan is under the spotlight, not only as captain but also because of a lack of runs since his hundred against New Zealand at the start of the summer.

But he said: "I don't feel under any extra pressure. I've always had these blips in form and come through them. I'm confident I can come through this one."

The absence of fast bowler Dale Steyn (broken thumb) from South Africa's attack could help England's batsmen. But Vaughan said: "We are just focusing on what we can deliver as a team and, hopefully, that will be a little bit better than it was at Headingley."