New captain Alec Stewart tells the players what he wants from them

The biggest challenge for new captain Alec Stewart is consistency - turning one victory into two, and then a series win.

This time 12 months ago, the Australians arrived at Edgbaston and soon found themselves 54-8 and then 118 all out.

England won that match by nine wickets and thoughts turned to regaining the Ashes.

After a bright start in the Caribbean ...

However, by the end of the Fifth Test, the Aussies were 3-1 up and that famous urn was lost.

Then, a victory in the Sixth Test and some poor results for the West Indies suggested that England could win in the Caribbean.

Again it started well, with a win in Trinidad squaring the series 1-1 with three to play.

... this was an all-too familar sight for English batsmen

"The momentum is with England", cried supporters, only for Brian Lara's men to thrash Mike Atherton's side in two of the remaining games.

That led Stewart's promotion. and the new skipper has made no secret of his desire for consistency.

Graham Thorpe explains England's problem

He will be delighted to know that one of his key players, Graham Thorpe realises this too.

Speaking as he received the England Player of the Year trophy, he said: "We have had some good victories, but we have got to start putting things together over a whole series."

No excuses from David Lloyd

Thorpe admitted these lapses in consistency took the shine off his award, and the England coach David Lloyd is another who wants to rid England of their reputation for being part-time winners.

He also dismisses the bad luck excuse.

England coach David Lloyd says his plans were disrupted by the weather

"They are lots of pointers that we lost this toss and lost that toss, but it's a cruel world and we really didn't play well enough", he added, before expressing optimism for this series.

Dominc Cork returned to a wet Edgbaston - and a cup of tea - on Tuesday

England will hope that the return of Dominic Cork and Darren Gough can give them the cutting edge they need to bowl sides out twice.

Thorpe believes Gough, Cork and Angus Fraser can provide that, and Lloyd is delighted to have them back, believing that he has the rare luxury of having the very best "fit and raring to go".

Dominic Cork says things have changed since he last played for England

Predictably, England's initial plans were disrupted by the weather as Birmingham showers washed out net practice on Tuesday, although the players ventured out on Wedneday.

Meanwhile, South Africa come into the game with just two first class matches on the tour so far, but with two bowlers who will feel at home at Edgbaston.

England beware: Donald knows Edgbaston well

Shaun Pollock has performed well there for Warwickshire, and Allan Donald is a living legend in Birmingham.

Donald says it will be a tremendous honour appearing before his adopted county - something he missed due to injury on South Africa's visit in 1994.

And he agrees with Lloyd that England have picked a good side.

But rather than concentrate on Gough and Cork, he says Mike Atherton's return to form will be a key.

Atherton - happy to be back among the troops

"They've a strong batting line-up with Mark Ramprakash in good form and Atherton back in the side, which gives them stability up front.

"He's a fighter and there's no doubt using his experience will help England."

Meanwhile, Atherton is preparing to return to the ranks as an England player and is determined to demonstrate his best days are ahead rather than behind him.

He said: "I'm relishing the challenge of proving myself all over again as an opening batsman. I'm only 30.

"People still talk about Nasser Hussain and Mark Ramprakash being up-and-coming at Test level but I'm the same age. We all played England Schools cricket together."

At Edgbaston they will all face Donald and co, and if they can succeed, Gough and Cork stand every chance of making inroads when South Africa bat.

But they should be warned. If they prove they can do it once but fail to repeat the feat, captain, coach and country will want to know why.