England player profiles
Andrew Flintoff (capt, DOB 6/12/77, 102 caps)
Will win his 100th cap for his country next time out - he has also made three World XI outings - in command of the side. England's inspirational all-rounder and unquestionably the premier all-rounder in world cricket.
Andrew Strauss (2/3/77, 61)
Has adapted his game to one-day cricket, scoring important runs at the top of the order, and has led the side well in recent months. Now takes a backseat once again, although, in the absence of Marcus Trescothick, will be relied upon heavily for runs.
Kevin Pietersen (27/6/80, 38)
Despite a quiet summer, he still averages an awesome 55 in one-day internationals and is arguably the most dangerous batsmen on the planet when in form. Equalled Viv Richards' record of reaching 1,000 runs in 21 innings.
Paul Collingwood (26/5/76, 100)
An automatic selection due to his all-round capacity. Canny batting is complemented by athleticism in the field and he is holder of England's best ODI figures of 6-31. Reached 50 career wickets in the NatWest Series win over Pakistan at Edgbaston.
Ed Joyce (22/9/78, 3)
Irishman who spent four years qualifying and was then struck by ill luck. Having struggled on debut against his compatriots in Belfast, he damaged his ankle in the Twenty20 clash with Sri Lankan and was ruled out for six weeks.
Ian Bell (11/4/82, 23)
Overlooked for one-day international duty for long periods of his career, but has occupied seven batting positions in the England side. The Warwickshire man took his latest opportunity at number three to finish top-scorer in the 2-2 NatWest Series draw with Pakistan.
Michael Yardy (27/11/80, 2)
Came into a side on the back of eight straight defeats to Test-class opposition and won twice. Drafted in as one of two spinning all-rounders, it was his bowling which impressed most as he kept Pakistan to fewer than three runs per over.
Jamie Dalrymple (21/1/81, 11)
Beneficiary of England's early-season selection concerns, the Middlesex man took full advantage to prove himself a rare success in the Sri Lanka series. Continued to impress with calmness while batting and kept things tight with his off-spin.
Rikki Clarke (29/9/81, 20)
Included as a back-up pace bowling all-rounder with Andrew Flintoff not certain to bowl. Earned a recall against Pakistan recently and hit a career-best 39 to ensure respectability to the total at Lord's. Has chance to post World Cup claim.
Chris Read (10/8/78, 33)
Has hardly put a foot or glove wrong since displacing Geraint Jones in both forms of the game. Always tidy behind the stumps and scored at a nigh-on 100% strike rate in the Pakistan one-day series. Will want to be gloveman for the Ashes.
Jon Lewis (26/8/75, 7)
Ended the English summer on a real high by offering a serious threat with the new ball. Made to wait for his chance, England's most adept drinks carrier has done enough for an extended run and a chance to prove he can thrive in all conditions.
Steve Harmison (23/10/78, 44)
Missed most of England's limited-overs commitments in 2006 due to shin and back injuries. The Sri Lanka assault at Headingley left him with England's worst one-day bowling analysis in history, but he provides cutting edge when fully fit.
Sajid Mahmood (21/12/81, 12)
More than 18 months passed between Mahmood's nightmare debut against New Zealand and his second cap but he has been persevered with in 2006 despite his soaring economy rate. Offers raw pace and finished summer with the man-of-the-match gong.
James Anderson (30/7/82, 50)
Got to the 50-cap mark at the age of just 23 on this year's tour of India, where he confirmed himself as a bowler of immense ability. Bowls with good pace, can swing the new and old ball and offers control at both ends of the innings.
