Sport News

England ponder changes to attack

category: Cricket

25.07.2008 19:26

Steve Harmison, who has not played a Test since March, is one name in the frame, with selectors hinting that Stuart Broad's place is under threat.

With Ryan Sidebottom set to return from a back injury, Headingley debutant Darren Pattinson looks set to miss out.

England are 1-0 down in the series with two Tests left to play.

The 13-man squad will be announced at 1030 BST on Saturday.

Pattinson received a shock international debut after just 11 first-class appearances, with the more experienced Harmison, Chris Tremlett, Matthew Hoggard and Simon Jones all overlooked.

But the Nottinghamshire bowler looks almost certain to miss out following an uninspired debut.

Broad's place appears to be in jeopardy with his three wickets in two Tests coming at the cost of more than 50 runs apiece.

England captain Michael Vaughan said: "Predominantly Stuart is in the team to try to get us wickets.

"He just lacked a little bit of rhythm this week, that's all - that can happen to someone who doesn't have much experience. He's a young lad and has done extremely well for us over the last few months."

England coach Peter Moores added: "You can't expect the finished article in a 22-year-old because he has to get stronger and fitter.

"He will get more skilful, but in most games we are seeing him do something quite exciting. I wouldn't say we would be loathe to leave him out but we've got to manage him, like everyone else.

"We've got to look after him, but also pick the best side for England. With young bowlers we have to be careful to a degree, because people get injured."

There were also concerns about the strength of England's batting line-up after Paul Collingwood was dropped from the team and wicket-keeper Tim Ambrose promoted to six in the order to accommodate the return of all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.

Selector Geoff Miller held clear-the-air talks with Michael Vaughan on Tuesday after the skipper admitted last week's selection had unsettled the team on the first day of the Test, which his side ended up losing by 10 wickets.

England now need to win both of the remaining Tests if they are to win the series and the need to take 20 South Africa wickets looks like prompting Harmison's return.

Harmison was dropped after a poor display in England's heavy defeat in the winter tour of New Zealand but he has regained his pace and accuracy at Durham.

"We now know we have to win two games to win the series, and have to create a side which is capable of that at Edgbaston, which as a ground is different to Headingley," said Miller.

"We have discussed all kinds of things: extra pace, whether it will turn more, or whether it is anticipated to swing."

And the return of Sidebottom will be a massive boost for skipper Vaughan.

"I want to get that team unity back and want us to play a better game," he said.

"Losing someone like Ryan Sidebottom on the morning of the match does have a big effect. That was the biggest blow, and we'd like to have him back next week.

"With the angles he bowls, he is a handful and he bowled the week before at their best player Jacques Kallis and got him out twice."

Original text is here

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