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Cricket

Harmison and Collingwood recalled to squad

26/07/2008

Durham pair Steve Harmison and Paul Collingwood have been included in a 13-man England squad for the forthcoming third Test match against South Africa at Edgbaston.

Ryan Sidebottom also returns to the squad, after missing the second Test at Headingley with a back injury.

Sidebottom replaces the much-criticised Darren Pattinson in the lineup.

Durham skipper Collingwood returns to the England set-up after being dropped for the second Test due to poor form.

Harmison is back in the fold for the first time since playing against New Zealand at Hamilton in March.

"Steve Harmison has been bowling well for Durham this season and his inclusion in the Test squad gives us another option in terms of our bowling attack for the Edgbaston Test," national selector Geoff Miller said.

"Ryan Sidebottom has been progressing well with his back injury over the past week and we're confident he'll be fit for selection but obviously he'll be monitored closely in the lead up to next Wednesday.

"Paul Collingwood was unlucky to miss out on a place in the team for the 2nd npower Test match but this decision was based on a number of factors.

"He has shown what a true professional he is by returning to Durham over the past week and playing well for his county.

"After a tough match at Headingley I know the England team is looking forward to an improved performance in the 3rd npower Test and levelling the series against a very good South African side."

Harmison's next task will be to get in the starting XI as the selectors ponder switching to a four-man bowling attack following the comprehensive defeat at Headingley.

Full England squad for 3rd Test vs South Africa:

Michael Vaughan (Yorkshire, captain)
Tim Ambrose (Warwickshire)
James Anderson (Lancashire)
Ian Bell (Warwickshire)
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)
Paul Collingwood (Durham)
Alastair Cook (Essex)
Andrew Flintoff (Lancashire)
Steve Harmison (Durham)
Monty Panesar (Northamptonshire)
Kevin Pietersen (Hampshire)
Ryan Sidebottom (Nottinghamshire)
Andrew Strauss (Middlesex)