Cook was one of only two England batsman to pass 50 last time out

Alastair Cook says an "open and honest" assessment of England's second Test defeat to South Africa will inspire them to battle back in the third Test.

England host the Proteas at Edgbaston on Wednesday trailing 1-0 in the series after a 10-wicket loss at Headingley.

And opening batsman Cook said: "We were outplayed in every aspect last time.

"But we had an open and honest chat about it and about how we improve. We are up for the challenge of proving to people what we're about as a side."

The Headingley defeat was a marked turnaround from the first Test at Lord's, when South Africa had to bat for more than two days to save the match after England had racked up 593-8.

But Cook says England are prepared to get back to their best form in order to level the series.

"We know we have to get back to how we played - and especially batted - at Lord's," said the Essex batsman.

"We also know what we're capable of and we've fought back from 1-0 down in series before - we did it in New Zealand recently to win 2-1.

"We now know what we have to do and we're well rested and eager to get going."

Their efforts could be aided by the return to the side of Paul Collingwood, a measure seen as necessary to lengthen a batting line-up that failed to perform last time out.

Collingwood was dropped for the second Test but could play if England revert to six batsman and four bowlers - and the 32-year-old said: "Hopefully, it will be a season of two halves and the better half starts now.

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England's one-day skipper was axed for the first time in 34 matches after scoring 92 runs in nine first-class innings.

He was also banned for four one-day internationals as a result of England's slow over-rate in a game against New Zealand and heavily criticised for unsportsmanlike conduct against the Black Caps.

Collingwood insisted Grant Elliott was given run-out in a one-day match at The Oval in June after the Kiwi batsman had collided with England paceman Ryan Sidebottom.

"It's been the worst year of my career but once you have got over the hurt you look at it and realise that hope is just around the corner," said Collingwood.

He's involved in both five-day and one-day cricket and there is lots and lots of that Selector Geoff Miller on Broad

"The only thing that comes close to it was when I was left out of the second Test in Pakistan and I worried whether I would ever make it as a Test player."

Collingwood's cause could be helped if Stuart Broad is left out.

Chief selector Geoff Miller says the Nottinghamshire bowler could be dropped to give him time to rest and recharge his batteries.

"It is tough," said Miller. "Stuart is a young lad and he has done really, really well.

"But at some stage you have to look at the situation, you do not want burnout, and there is a lot of cricket to be played.

"He's involved in both five-day and one-day cricket and there is lots and lots of that.

"It is a case of nurturing him and making sure we get the best out of him now if possible but over a longer period of time as well."