Graeme Smith is fit to face England after a problem with his back.
England won the toss and decided to bat against South Africa
Both teams find themselves in a familiar situation at Edgbaston. South Africa have led in each of their previous series in England since readmission, but have let the advantage slip to either draw or lose. England have recent history of coming back from 1-0 down, having clawed themselves back in New Zealand earlier this year.
However, fighting back against South Africa is a completely different challenge, even though the visitors are without Dale Steyn because of a broken thumb. His replacement is the fiery Andre Nel so there will be no shortage of bouncers and verbals for the England batsmen. Captain Graeme Smith has passed a late fitness test on his back to lead the side so the in-form batting order remains unchanged.
England named their team yesterday to try and avoid the uncertainly that surrounded the side at Headingley. Paul Collingwood has been recalled along with the fit-again Ryan Sidebottom as part of a four-man attack. Stuart Broad has been dropped, while Steve Harmison made it has far as the squad but not the final XI.
The surface at Edgbaston is always of interest and this one is expected to break up later in the match, especially if the warm weather continues. Monty Panesar will be a key weapon for England and can be expected to out-bowl Paul Harris. With that in mind, it was no surprise that Michael Vaughan batted first on winning the toss.
England have often played their best cricket in Birmingham and three years ago secured their famous two-run victory against Australia - after racking up over 400 on the opening day. They will be hoping some of that inspiration rubs off over the next five days.
England 1 Andrew Strauss, 2 Alastair Cook, 3 Michael Vaughan (capt), 4 Kevin Pietersen, 5 Ian Bell, 6 Paul Collingwood, 7 Andrew Flintoff, 8 Tim Ambrose (wk), 9 Ryan Sidebottom, 10 James Anderson, 11 Monty Panesar
South Africa 1 Graeme Smith (capt), 2 Neil McKenzie, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Jacques Kallis, 5 Ashwell Prince, 6 AB de Villiers, 7 Mark Boucher (wk), 8 Morne Morkel, 9 Paul Harris, 10 Andre Nel, 11 Makhaya Ntini
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