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Vaughan welcomes Collingwood return for third Test

30/07/2008

England captain Michael Vaughan has welcomed the inclusion of Paul Collingwood in the starting XI for the third Test against South Africa at Edgbaston.

Collingwood and Ryan Sidebottom return to side which lost at Headingley, in place of Stuart Broad and Darren Pattinson.

Vaughan was delighted to have the Durham skipper Collingwood at his disposal.

"It's good to have Colly back," he said. "He'll bat at number six, Freddie [Flintoff] at seven and Tim Ambrose number eight.

"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."

One man who didn't make the line-up is Steve Harmison, who was recalled to the 13-man squad for the first time since last March.

"I think it's a testament to the way that Steve has bowled this year for Durham that we have got him back in the 13 and unfortunately this week he couldn't make the 11," Vaughan said.

"Who is to say that at the Oval the week after he doesn't make the 11? So it's a good thing for Steve to be back in the 13 but unfortunately for him he doesn't make the 11 - it's good to have him back in the ranks though."

After the disappointment of the second Test, Vaughan revealed the players are focused on this must-win game.

"The key this week is to try and bat well in the first innings - try to get them under pressure," he said.

"We're all a very focused set of players who want to put it right. We didn't perform to our standards last week and we know we have to do that this week.

"It's 1-0 with two to play so we have to produce a performance this week."