Paul Collingwood has described his axing from England's Test team at Headingley as "the biggest disappointment" of his career.

All-rounder Collingwood was left out of the Second Test against South Africa so that England could recall Andrew Flintoff and play five front-line bowlers, including debut-making Anglo-Aussie Darren Pattinson.

The move backfired when Michael Vaughan's team were bowled out for 203 and ultimately thrashed by 10 wickets. Now Collingwood, 32, is in the squad again for Wednesday's Third Test, at Edgbaston, and seems likely to play.

"After all that's happened this year I just want to get things back on track now," said Collingwood, the one-day captain who had made 33 consecutive Test appearances before being dropped.

Earlier this season, the Durham star was roundly criticised for failing to recall New Zealand batsman Grant Elliott after a controversial run-out incident at The Oval and then suspended for four matches by the International Cricket Council because of England's slow over rate.