England could offer an international lifeline to Steve Harmison when they announce their third npower Test squad on Saturday morning.

Durham fast bowler Harmison would provide potential extra pace to an attack which has toiled its way to just 13 wickets in the last 344.3 overs sent down to South Africa this series.

The 29-year-old has not been considered for a match since being sensationally dumped along with new-ball partner Matthew Hoggard following the heavy defeat to New Zealand in Hamilton in March.

But he has realigned pace and direction in county action this summer and has consistently clocked 90 miles per hour in Durham's televised matches.

England' selectors need to take decisive action in the aftermath of the Headingley hammering which, aside from being tarnished by the unseemly disagreements on the promotion of Darren Pattinson, has left Michael Vaughan's team 1-0 down with two to play.

And Harmison's name is expected to be in what will be a 13-man squad to meet up in Birmingham on Sunday night.

"We now know we have to win two games to win the series, and have to create a side which is capable of that at Edgbaston, which as a ground is different to Headingley," said national selector Geoff Miller.

"We have discussed all kinds of things: extra pace, whether it will turn more, or whether it is anticipated to swing."

Expanding the party from the more usual dozen men offers the chance to cover all the bases should weather or pitch conditions throw up any surprises.

Although left-armer Ryan Sidebottom - whose back niggle gave an unexpected chance to county colleague Pattinson - is anticipated to return, Miller confirmed: "You always need options.

"Ryan has been an extremely important member of the squad, and indeed side, since he came back last year.

"But it is not just about taking 20 wickets - yes we need to do that - it is about scoring runs as well, and 200 in the first innings (at Headingley) is simply not enough."

Harmison will have good memories of his last act in a Test at Edgbaston - it was the ball which dismissed Michael Kasprowicz to seal a nailbiting two-run Ashes win - but his overall record of five wickets in three outings is less promising.

Aside from the introduction of extra speed, England are likely to stick with the original 12 dispatched to Leeds last week, which would mean returns to county action for Pattinson and Chris Tremlett.

Both coach Peter Moores and captain Vaughan anticipate Sidebottom's inclusion next Wednesday morning but will also consider recalling Paul Collingwood in the middle-order and reverting to a four-man attack, after Andrew Flintoff and James Anderson came through the marathon South African first innings in Leeds unscathed.

To some outsiders the selection of the final XI will arguably be the most important of Vaughan's tenure as leader.

But he said: "I just want to get it right: I want to get that team unity back and want us to play a better game.

"Losing someone like Ryan Sidebottom on the morning of the match does have a big effect. That was the biggest blow, and we'd like to have him back next week.

"With the angles he bowls, he is a handful and he bowled the week before at their best player Jacques Kallis and got him out twice.

"It's like Dale Steyn missing out for them on the morning of the match."

Whichever combination England opt for, it appears Stuart Broad may be given a break despite his eye-catching, unbeaten 67 coming as the latest in a long line of impressive innings.

Although the 22-year-old averages over 40 with the bat, he is in the side primarily for his worth with the ball and his successes to date have come at nearly 50 apiece.

"He's at number eight, because predominantly he is in the team to try to get us wickets," said Vaughan.

"He just lacked a little bit of rhythm this week, that's all - that can happen to someone who doesn't have much experience.

"He's a young lad and has done extremely well for us over the last few months.

"He is a talent and someone we want to monitor and keep a close eye on - because he'll be in and around the England team for many years to come."

Moores hinted at Broad being rested when he said: "You can't expect the finished article in a 22-year-old because he has to get stronger and fitter.

"He will get more skilful, but in most games we are seeing him do something quite exciting.

"I wouldn't say we would be loathe to leave him out but we've got to manage him, like everyone else.

"We've got to look after him, but also pick the best side for England. With young bowlers we have to be careful to a degree, because people get injured."

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