Whilst it affects the natural balance of the team I don't think Anderson is the answer. The Aussies will go after him and and his control will always go under pressure. His batting is execrable - a real number 11.
Collingwood has real experience of playing the Aussies - he's won plenty of games against them and knows how to score runs off this attack.
His bowling will at least offer rest time for the other three quicks and he can definitely take wickets on the right pitches. Vaughan, Bell and Trescothick can all chip on so none of the four main bowlers should be overworked.
But one of the key factors for me is his fielding. Catches win matches and he will hold on to damn near everything. Pietersen has put down half a dozen chances - Collingwood would have snaffled five of them.
Vaughan's astute field placing and Australia's poor shot selection plays right in to a high quality close fielder's hands.
Collingwood will offer more all round depth to the team. If Anderson plays and bowls indifferently he really is a complete waste of a place. If Collingwood bowls indifferently he has two other ways of contributing effectively and possibly decisively.
Posted By: SherryEnema, Sep 6, 14:18:31
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