Snub for Ashes heroes as roof tiler gets the call from England

Nottinghamshire's Darren Pattinson, born in Grimsby but a resident Down Under since the age of six, has been promoted ahead of Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard and the in-form Simon Jones after being summoned to Leeds yesterday when James Anderson reported a stiff back.

In reserve: Tremlett (left) will stay in the squad as cover for Sidebottom while Pattinson (right) could come in for Anderson

Despite having played only 11 first-class matches, the 29-year-old has been a revelation for Notts this season.

He said: 'It's been an incredible couple of months and to have the chance to play Test cricket for England would be the ultimate honour.

'I was bowling better than ever throughout my last six months in Australia and the conditions in England have helped me to develop further. Notts coach Mick Newell was taking a bit of a risk when he signed me because I was relatively unknown. I'm pleased that I've been able to repay him.'

Pattinson has been included in the provisional 30-man Champions Trophy squad and his Headingley call-up appears to put him not only ahead of the 2005 Ashes heroes but also other pacemen with Test experience such as Sajid Mahmood and Liam Plunkett.

Newell said: 'It's an amazing rags-to-riches story. Darren seems to take everything in his stride and has the temperament to produce consistent performances.'

Meanwhile, England confirmed that the returning Andrew Flintoff will be in the starting XI, at No 7 in the batting order.

With Ryan Sidebottom also experiencing back soreness, the home team will be finalised this morning. Graeme Smith, the South Africa captain, welcomed the news that England's talisman is back in the fold, saying: 'I have a lot of respect for Fred, what he's achieved and the type of man he is.

'I'm sure he's going to be a big influence on the England team. There's obviously a lot of hype around him and he seems to handle everything in his stride.

'Michael Vaughan obviously sees him more as a front-line bowler, but if you look at his batting, especially in the 2005 Ashes, he has played some key knocks.'

Vaughan will also be keen to see Sidebottom, who took eight wickets against the West Indies at Headingley last summer, recover from his injury worry.

The captain explained: 'He's an old pro, who comes from the old school.

'He's had these stiff backs before and come through, and I really hope he does because at this ground, the way he bowled last year, and the way he swings the ball, means he is a key bowler. If he is not right he will be missed because of the options he offers.'