England to create history

Hosts send Tremlett back to Hampshire again ahead of first Test

Last updated: 9th July 2008

Andrew Flintoff England netting at Lords

Flintoff: Helping out England in the nets at Lord's

I think our performances got better as the New Zealand series went on and we want that to continue against South Africa

England captain Michael Vaughan
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England have become the first team to ever name the same starting XI for six consecutive Tests after captain Michael Vaughan confirmed they would be unchanged against South Africa at Lord's.

The selectors have kept faith with the team that recorded a comfortable 2-0 series victory over New Zealand earlier this summer.

Their decision means Hampshire seamer Chris Tremlett again misses out from the 12-man squad chosen for the first of four Tests.

"Hopefully this side will put in a similar performance to the one we delivered against New Zealand at Trent Bridge (when England won by an innings and nine runs)," Vaughan said.

"I think our performances got better as the New Zealand series went on and we want that to continue against South Africa."

Flintoff returns

Andrew Flintoff was not considered for the initial squad but did help out the home side by attending Wednesday's practice session.

The Lancashire all-rounder remained in London following his side's Twenty20 Cup quarter-final defeat to Middlesex to bowl in the nets.

"It's great to have him back," Vaughan admitted to Sky Sports News.

"We invited him down to practice and we know he's getting closer to the England team. We just wanted to get him back involved.

"It'll help him getting back in. Obviously he won't be playing this week but hopefully he'll go away and get a good four-day game under his belt and put the guys under pressure to get in the next team."

Both sides were forced indoors to continue their preparations due to heavy rainfall, although the forecast for Thursday is much better.

South Africa should have become accustomed to the rain having seen the final day of their warm-up fixture against Middlesex washed out on Sunday.

Huge buzz

Despite having only had five days of action before the opening Test, the Proteas are still confident they are ready for action.

"There's always that concern - are we prepared enough? Have we done enough?" coach Mickey Arthur said.

"But we had a pretty good discussion about it in our changing room and we can't control the weather. We can only look after ourselves.

"There's a huge buzz in the changing room. Everybody can't wait to get going. We've had a nice build-up but it's time now."

With the weather issues over the last few days, the Proteas could well opt to make a late change to their team to suit the conditions.

Spinner Paul Harris had looked certain to play but may now miss out in favour of Andre Nel, meaning five-man pace attack.