England boosted by Collingwood return
England captain Michael Vaughan has told of his delight to have all-rounder Paul Collingwood back in the England side – just a week after dropping him.
The Durham man was yesterday recalled to the side for the third Test at Edbgaston, starting this morning, after he was surprisingly omitted for the last Test at Headingley.
Collingwood comes in for the axed Darren Pattinson, while seamer Ryan Sidebottom returns from a back injury to take the place of the unfortunate Stuart Broad. There is no place in the 11, however, for fast bowler Steve Harmison, who was recalled to the squad this week.
Collingwood will bat at No6 while offering Vaughan the option of his medium pace as the hosts revert to a four-man attack. Vaughan said: “It’s good to have Colly back, he’ll bat at No6, Freddie at seven and Tim Ambrose No8.
“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.
“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.” Vaughan also believes Harmison will be happy with his recall to the squad despite not being given the nod to play.
“It’s a testament to the way Steve has bowled this year for Durham that he’s back,” the captain added. “He’ll be disappointed not to be in the 11, but also delighted just to be back amongst the ranks.”
