Michael Vaughan (captain): Vaughan won a place in England cricket history last month by leading his team to their first Ashes series victory over Australia in 18 years. A calming influence on the team, Vaughan has led England in six consecutive series wins.

Test record: Tests 62, Runs 4,513, highest 197, 100s: 15, average 43.81; wkts 6: average 89.50, best 2-71.

Marcus Trescothick (vice captain): A true opener who can dominate any attack on his day. His experience will be priceless in a relatively young side.

Test record: Tests 66, Runs 5,206, highest 219, 100s: 12, average 45.26; wkt 1, average 155.00, best 1-34.

Andrew Strauss: Strauss is a compact left-handed opener who gives England a solid opening pair with Trescothick. Strauss notched two hundreds in his 393 runs in England's Ashes triumph last month, but is still green.

Test record: Tests 19, Runs 1,716, highest 147, 100s: 7, average 50.47.

Ian Bell: A young right-handed batsman of immense talent, Bell has yet to make good on his potential and struggled under pressure against Australia.

Test record: Tests 8, Runs 468, highest 162 not out, 100s: 1, average 42.54.

Andrew Flintoff: A mature allrounder, Flintoff played a pivotal role in England's Ashes win, scoring 402 runs and fetching 24 wickets. International Cricket Council one-day player of the year in 2004 and joint player of the year with South African Jacques Kallis in 2005.

Test record: Tests 53, Runs 2,691, highest 167, 100s: 5, average 33.22; wkts 150, average 31.51, best 5-58.

Kevin Pietersen: An explosive right-handed batsman originally from South Africa, Pietersen hit a series-clinching 158 in the final Ashes Test at The Oval. ICC one-day player and the best emerging player in 2005.

Test record: Tests 5, Runs 473, highest 158, 100s: 1, average 52.55.

Paul Collingwood: An ideal one-day allrounder, Collingwood showed some grit in the lower order during the Ashes series and is probably the best fielder in England's walk-on team.

Test record: Tests 3, Runs 106, highest 36, average 17.66.

Geraint Jones: Jones's place behind the stumps was under pressure after some poor performances in the Ashes, but his ability to contribute useful runs with the bat down the order has kept him in the side.

Test record: Tests 20, Runs 803, highest 100, 100s: 1, average 29.74, catches 71, stumpings 3.

Shaun Udal: A right-arm off-break bowler, Udal earned a surprise recall after an outstanding county season with 44 wickets. Played 10 one-day games in 1994-95 but has yet to play a Test.

Ashley Giles: England's most established spinner, Giles took 17 wickets during England's 1-0 series win here in 2000. Pakistan's plans to prepare spinning tracks could help the "Wheelie Bin", as Giles is known.

Test record: Tests 50, Runs 1278, highest 59, average 20.61; wkts 137, average 38.66, best 5-57.

Matt Prior: A reserve wicket-keeper who can challenge Jones's spot with his more aggressive batting. Has played one limited overs international but has yet to play a Test.

Matthew Hoggard: Hard-working Hoggard is the quiet achiever in England's pace attack. A quality seamer who can also produce surprising swing.

Test record: Tests 45, Runs 319, highest 38, average 8.62; wkts 173, average 29.63, best 7-61.

Steve Harmison: A dangerous pace bowler whose towering frame produces lethal bounce at times. Bowled with venom in the Ashes but has to improve his overseas record, and get over his boyish bouts of homesickness.

Test record: Tests 36, Runs 348, highest 42, average 10.23; wkts 142, average 28.40, best 7-12.

James Anderson: A talented pace bowler who will be looking to make his mark after being left out of the Ashes series.

Test record: Tests 12, Runs 68, highest 21 not out, average 17; wkts 35, average 36.39, best 5-73.

Liam Plunkett: Yet to play for England, Plunkett will have a tough task filling the shoes of the injured Simon Jones, who was a major factor in the Ashes victory.

Alex Loudon: A right-handed batsman who bowls off-break, he was given a chance after his good show at county level. Has yet to play for England.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)