| Ground: | Edgbaston, Birmingham |
| Player: | PD Collingwood, MP Vaughan |
DateLine: 1st August 2005
After inspecting the pitch at Edgbaston Michael Vaughan and Duncan Fletcher have discussed the squad with the selectors. As a result the Durham batting allrounder has been asked to join the squad for the second Ashes test. David Graveney, the Chairman of Selectors said "It has been well documented that Birmingham has experienced unusually large amounts of rainfall in the last few days and this has put the ground authorities under extreme pressure."
"Having looked at the pitch it has been decided to add Paul Collingwood to the squad so that England will have the maximum number of options available on match day."
Although his career record does not suggest that he is one of Englands top first class batsmen, Collingwood has been in superb batting form in the second division of the Frizell County Championship and looked one of the most accomplished English players during the recent One Day Series. Added to that he is a superb fielder and his bowling can be useful.
