Batsmen urged to score more runs

England's batsmen and bowlers will have to fight for their places in the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

Andrew Flintoff is likely to return for England's next Test against South Africa, so the selectors will be looking for a player to drop.

England are likely to be unchanged for the fifth Test in a row and captain Michael Vaughan has made it clear that he thinks consistent selection is key to the team's development.

There have been suggestions that England's centrally-contracted batsmen need more competition for their places and England selector Geoff Miller has warned they should not feel comfortable.

He said: "There are still areas which we can improve on as a side. We're aware of the need to post bigger first-innings totals on a more regular basis.

"We also have to bowl well as a unit in order to counter the strength of the New Zealand middle order, but overall we are pleased with the progress the team is making."

Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood have attracted criticism for their recent England batting performances and both were lucky not be given out as they scored the runs that earned England victory in the second Test at Old Trafford.

Miller added: "We don't get worried about form. We know form is temporary and we know what a strong character Paul Collingwood is.

"He's a quality player and a quality fellow and we know runs are just around the corner. We'll accept he's having a bit of a bad trot but we also know he can turn that around and perform.

"What I am keen on is having batters batting in positions they're comfortable with and having Andrew Strauss opening and Michael Vaughan at number three, and the middle order in positions they're comfortable with, is something I'm very happy about."

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