England’s plans may change,  because of fitness concerns about Ryan Sidebottom and Jimmy Anderson, who are both complaining of stiff backs after bowling 102 overs between them at Lord’s last weekend.

Yesterday morning England called in perennial 12th man Chris Tremlett as cover for Sidebottom, and then in the afternoon Notts’s Darren Pattinson was summoned to be on standby for Anderson.

The uncertainty about the bowlers may lead to a reprieve for Paul Collingwood, who looked set for the axe, but may now keep his No6 place, in which case Ambrose gets demoted to No8 – a move which makes little sense with Flintoff staying at seven, come what may.

In one scenario England see Ambrose as a better batsman than Flintoff, in the other he is below him. Or is it that the wicketkeeper is disposable, England having still to decide who is the right man for the job?

Ideally England, having failed to force a result at Lord’s with four bowlers, want to revert to a five-man attack with Flintoff playing more as a bowler who can bat well.

Batting in the lower order will fundamentally change Flintoff’s role. Genuine Test all-rounders score centuries but few can do that from No 7, Adam Gilchrist being an exception.

How Flintoff the batsman adapts will be fascinating. His batting form before his injury absence was not good enough to warrant a place in the top six, but at No 7 he could be a destructive force. “I’ve always seen him in that role,” said Vaughan. 

“Big scores are generally put on the board by the top five as they did at Lord’s. It is up to the top order to get the runs. We’re confident Ambrose can play at No 6. Sometimes what you need is a confidence boost, such as being pushed up a position.”

The confusion around the make-up of a team was almost inevitable after a record-breaking run of six Tests without a change. England could not expect their luck to hold. What adds to the dilemma is the fact that the attack must be leg and back weary after Lord’s. To carry any bowler in a four-man attack would be a huge gamble.

The last nine Tests at Headingley have all ended in positive results, England winning six of them. While the once notorious pitch has flattened, the ball traditionally swings and England will be particularly anxious that Sidebottom and Anderson play.

South Africa’s selection issue revolves around Neil McKenzie, who played such an important rearguard role at Lord’s. The opener tweaked a groin muscle and Jean-Paul Duminy stands by to replace him as Graeme Smith’s opening partner.