In Review

08 January 2009 13:04 BST

Harmison selection proves England are "desperate"

South Africa coach Mickey Arthur has stoked the flames ahead of Wednesday's third Test at Edgbaston by saying that England will be going for a "quick fix" if they choose Steve Harmison in their starting XI.

Harmison has been named in England's 13-man squad, and may replace Stuart Broad in the bowling attack.

"I don't know what England's plans are," Arthur said.

"If they were planning down the line for the Ashes, they would probably be going with the young pack. If they are desperate, they might go back to a quick fix."

South Africa lead the series 1-0, leaving England needing to win at Edgbaston to hang onto any hope of winning the series.

It is a situation which may see England turning to tried and trusted players in order to avoid their first home series defeat to South Africa since they returned to the international fold in the mid-1990s.

"I did expect changes by England," Arthur revealed.

"Collingwood is a superb player and by all accounts Harmison seems to be bowling really well. Whichever way they go, they are bringing in two experienced players.

"I'd be very surprised if Collingwood didn't play. That would surprise me.

"It is just how they fit Harmison into the team. Do they risk going with one less batter with Tim Ambrose at six and Andrew Flintoff at seven and a long tail starting at eight?

"Or do they go with Collingwood at six, Flintoff at seven and Ambrose at eight and a bit less on the bowling front but more of a strong batting line-up? That is their decision."