England named the same team for a record six consecutive matches and ended their continuity in selection in style. Andrew Flintoff's return in place of Paul Collingwood was justified - although the promotion of the out of form Tim Ambrose to number six in the batting order was another decision that deserves scrutiny - but the identity of the injured Ryan Sidebottom's stand-in came as a major shock.
Darren Pattinson has only played 11 first class matches since making his debut last January. Born in England but raised in Australia - not the principal reason to oppose his selection - he turns 30 next month and is an unlikely debutant. A solid first half-season in county cricket, in which he has taken 29 first class wickets at an average 20.86, shows his talent but does not demand an international call-up.
He has been termed a typical 'horses for courses' Headingley selection. A swing bowler who delivers the ball full but without express pace, he is the type of player who has been tradtionally called up for the apparently swing-friendly conditions of Leeds and discarded afterwards on the assumption they cannot perform in other environments.
Whether Pattinson falls into this category remains to be seen. He was selected for England's provisional 30 man Champions Trophy squad and is therfore in the selectors' longer term thoughts. Ryan Sidebottom was re-called for Headingley last year and is now ranked as the fifth best Test bowler in the world. Pattinson is unlikely to perform a repeat.
Players have had more loyalty shown in them in recent times and he is unlikely to be jettisoned immediately. The fact that he has jumped the queue of pace bowlers suggests there is plenty of faith in his ability. However, even though Pattinson's selection might not be intended as a one-off, it could prove to be.
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