Early June would not be the same without the sound of a cuckoo suggesting that the latest Test series represents a brave new world, new dawn or whatever. Yet the last time England won a series of five Tests or more was in Australia 11 years ago, and they have not done so at home since the Australians were beaten in 1985.

But this time there really is cause for optimism as England go into today's first Test against South Africa, and Alec Stewart, the latest captain and unquestionably the most spick and span since Colin Cowdrey turned up in his Jaguar already changed, has taken no time in reminding his team of the fact.

"I have spoken to all the players in pairs," he said after practice yesterday. "I told them precisely what I expect from England cricketers. I reminded them that it is a great honour to play for your country. The team, always, is the thing, and we are working hard at creating a spirit of togetherness. I would like the dressing-room to be a very open place where people can express themselves."

Stewart may just be a lucky fellow, because by chance - or by astute selection and strategic development - he will be taking a team on to the field that for the first time in ages has "class" written through it like a stick of Edgbaston rock.

South Africa's massive self-belief, like that of the Australians, can go a long way to compensating for shortfalls. But Stewart could have drawn comfort last night by asking himself whom from the opposition squad he might like to draft into his own side. Gary Kirsten to partner Mike Atherton probably, although Stewart said that Mark Butcher was playing better than at any time he had known him; Shaun Pollock to replace Mark Ealham; and Allan Donald, although whom would he replace of Darren Gough, Angus Fraser and Dominic Cork - almost certain to play instead of Dean Headley - if they are all on top form?

The strength of the latest side lies in the strongest middle order England has possessed in more than a decade, and an incisive seam attack to match. Stewart confirmed that although nothing is set in stone for the series, he will resist the temptation to open and will go in at four, leaving Nasser Hussain at three, the position in which he scored his maiden Test century against India on this ground two years ago and which he ought to have occupied last winter.

The captain also had a word of encouragement for Mark Ramprakash, coming off a roll of three centuries in four innings. "He is the most talented cricketer in England," said Stewart. "In West Indies he came of age; he needs to translate that into consistency but I believe he feels very much at home now."

The backbone of the South Africa team is resilience, strength of character, depth rather than quality of batting, and of course the Donald-Pollock partnership. From their time spent with Warwickshire, both opening bowlers, like the coach Bob Woolmer, probably know Edgbaston better than any ground in South Africa. Neither is likely to require the acclimatisation needed by Glenn McGrath in the opening Test last summer, when he bowled too short here and England romped home. But there are doubts about the back-up seam, with Lance Klusener potentially devastating and profligate in equal measure.

With Jonty Rhodes assured of a place, Brian McMillan, another Warwickshire old boy, could oust Klusener, leaving Paul Adams the only spinner for a pitch which was under covers yesterday but which, according to Stewart, was evenly grassed if not completely firm underneath. Whoever wins the toss will probably bowl first.

England (from): Atherton, Butcher, Hussain, Thorpe, Stewart (captain), Ramprakash, Ealham, Cork, Croft, Gough, Fraser, Headley.

South Africa (probable): Kirsten, Liebenberg, Kallis, Cullinan, Cronje (captain), Rhodes, Pollock, Boucher, Klusener, Donald, Adams.