England equal record with NZ team selection
England equal 123-year-old record by naming unchanged side for fifth consecutive Test match
Also In The News
|
Good, bad or just the same old, same old? What the fans made of the 2007/08 season. |  |
Wednesday, 04, Jun 2008 04:18
England have equalled a 123-year-old record by naming an unchanged side for the fifth consecutive Test match this week.
The side will line up with the same XI players that started the second Test on the tour of New Zealand earlier this year when they take on the same opponents at Trent Bridge.
It is the first time since 1884/85 that the England selectors have opted for the same side in five successive matches and captain Michael Vaughan, who is likely to bat at number three, said it demonstrates the success the side has had recently.
"It is a side that has won three out of the last four games," he said.
"We know there are areas that we need to work on but it is a great opportunity for our swing bowlers."
The selection means Hampshire seamer Chris Tremlett again misses out, as he did for the six-wicket victory last time out at Old Trafford.
England lead the series 1-0 ahead of the third and final Test, which begins tomorrow morning.
Full England team to face New Zealand:
Michael Vaughan (Yorkshire, captain)
Alastair Cook (Essex)
Andrew Strauss (Middlesex)
Kevin Pietersen (Hampshire)
Ian Bell (Warwickshire)
Paul Collingwood (Durham)
Tim Ambrose (Warwickshire, wicketkeeper)
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)
Ryan Sidebottom (Nottinghamshire)
Monty Panesar (Northamptonshire)
James Anderson (Lancashire)