The Edinburgh scrum-half has been suffering from a back injury suffered in the weekend’s 22-15 defeat to Ireland at Murrayfield.

But he has recovered sufficiently for head coach Frank Hadden to pick him in a team which shows just one change.

Northampton flanker Scott Gray makes his first Test start since his debut four and a half years ago.

The 31-year-old replaces John Barclay, who has been dropped from the 22 altogether.

Barclay’s Glasgow team-mate Kelly Brown comes in for Gray on the bench.

Hadden said: “Scott has been knocking on the door for some time now and deserves this opportunity, while we’ve gone for Kelly on the bench for the coverage that he provides.

“We’re looking forward to going to Twickenham and seeking back-to-back Calcutta Cup wins for the first time since 1984.”

Scotland team to play England in RBS 6 Nations at Twickenham on Saturday, March 21 (kick-off 3.30pm):

C Paterson (Edinburgh), S Danielli (Ulster), M Evans (Glasgow), G Morrison (Glasgow), T Evans (Glasgow), P Godman (Edinburgh), M Blair (Edinburgh, capt), A Dickinson (Gloucester), R Ford (Edinburgh), E Murray (Northampton), J White (Sale), J Hamilton (Edinburgh), A Strokosch (Gloucester), S Gray (Northampton), S Taylor (Stade Francais).

Replacements: D Hall (Glasgow), M Low (Glasgow), N Hines (Perpignan), K Brown (Glasgow), C Cusiter (Perpignan), N De Luca (Edinburgh), H Southwell (Edinburgh).