England have become the first team to ever name the same starting XI for six consecutive Tests after Michael Vaughan confirmed they would be unchanged for the first Test against South Africa at Lord's on Thursday.

The selectors have kept faith with the team that recorded a 2-0 series victory over New Zealand earlier this summer.

The decision means Hampshire seamer Chris Tremlett again misses out from the 12-man squad chosen for the opening match against the Proteas.

"Hopefully this side will put in a similar performance to the one we delivered against New Zealand at Trent Bridge (when England won by an innings and nine runs)," England skipper Vaughan said.