Harmison and Broad back for England

6 August 2008

England have made two changes to their line-up for the fourth npower Test against South Africa starting tomorrow as they attempt to salvage some pride at the Brit Oval.

Already without Michael Vaughan, who is taking a break from the game following his emotional resignation as captain on Sunday, England have also given left-arm seamer Ryan Sidebottom a break for the final Test of the summer.

But rather than recall Essex batsman Ravi Bopara for his first Test since last December as Vaughan’s replacement, England have instead reverted to a five-man attack with Stuart Broad and Steve Harmison coming back into the line-up.

Ian Bell has been promoted to his favoured number three position, from where he averaged over 40 the last time he played in that role in Sri Lanka last year, while all-rounder Andrew Flintoff will bat at number six having played at seven in the two previous Tests he has played this summer. Tim Ambrose will bat at seven.

Steve Harmison and Stuart Broad will bolster England's pace attack at the Brit Oval

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Pietersen told reporters: “I’m going to go with four fast bowlers and Monty (Panesar).

“I think it is an aggressive move, a positive move. We need to take 20 wickets in this Test - you need to take 20 in any Test - and I feel a lot more comfortable with four fast bowlers.

“We’ve given responsibility to the batters to score runs with Colly (Paul Collingwood) at five, Freddie (Andrew Flintoff) at six, Timmy (Ambrose) seven and Broad eight.

“I’m looking forward to getting started.”

As for Harmison, Pietersen said: “I like Steve and what he brings to the team. He’s had his ups and downs but I have a really good relationship with Steve.

“He seems as excited as anything and he had a bit of a bounce in his step.

“I like Steve in the side. Mooresy (coach Peter Moores) and I are singing from the same hymn sheet at the moment. It’s all positive.”

Kevin Pietersen takes charge of his first Test as England attempt to halt South Africa’s momentum following successive triumphs at Headingley Carnegie and Edgbaston to wrap up the series with a Test to spare.

Broad has been recalled after being rested because of his workload for Edgbaston while Harmison plays his first Test since the opening defeat against New Zealand in Hamilton last March.