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Selectors meet with Vaughan to discuss Pattinson selection

23/07/2008

Chief selector Geoff Miller has held talks with England captain Michael Vaughan following the 10-wicket defeat in the second Test against South Africa at Headingley.

Vaughan admitted after the match that the selection of Nottinghamshire's Darren Pattinson "looked confused".

Critics claimed Hampshire's Chris Tremlett should have been picked when Ryan Sidebottom was ruled out through injury but the selectors chose Pattinson – who had only played 11 first class matches before the Test.

Miller felt Vaughan's comments had not helped the situation and wanted the captain to explain himself and help him and his fellow selectors find a solution.

He told The Daily Telegraph: "The selectors are not here to make Michael's job harder, which is why I'd like him to clarify his comments.

"It's been made into a massive issue by the media and I want to hear his side of the story."

Miller added in The Sun: "This is professional sport. I'm the national selector, Michael is the captain - we're both in this together. We must make sure we're on an even keel."

Tremlett had been the 12th man in England's last three Tests while Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison and Simon Jones have also been putting in good performances since losing their places in the Test side.

However, Andrew Flintoff says it is the team as a whole who should bare the responsibility for the defeat rather than having all the focus on Pattinson.

Despite Flintoff's comments it is likely Pattinson will be dropped for the third Test at Edgbaston as Sidebottom should recover from his injury in time to take part.