Anderson and Collingwood in for fifth Test

I am slightly less surprised. If Harmison had been injured I think Tremlett would have got the nod but as it is Jones you’d then have 3 bang in in types plus Hoggard. I don’t buy the “not on top of his game” from Grav; I think Anderson’s about on top of his game as Tremlett.

I’m really happy that they didn’t go to Cork, Gough or Caddick though if Gough can teach Anderson to reverse it…… who knows

I’m also surprised they added Anderson. I remember his glorious World Cup match vs. Pakistan, but he seems to have had some issues with trying too hard to swing the ball. I’m not sure the most important match in England cricket history is the place to find out whether he’s got those issues worked out. Collingwood looks like the better option, given his fielding, batting, and the success he had bowling vs. Australia early in the summer in the 20/20. But I guess if the conditions happen to be very favorable to swing it’s good to have another swing option if Jones is out.

One other thought – if Collingwood plays, where should he bat?

Agree with you Nick; he would either split Fred and KP (ie bat at 6) or come in after them (ie 7). Of course he could be in as cover for Bell who suffered cramps at Lords on Sunday in which case I’d move KP to four and bat Collingwood at five.

Alan R: Loved your site btw – glad to see that cricket is thriving in the US even if it is with a heavy tennis ball – one question though: As a kid growing up in the UK I often played with a normal tennis ball which I could make move both ways off the pitch by utilising a “seam up” grip and then releasing it from the middle finger to move into a RH bat and off the index finger to move away (I bowl left arm so reverse it for a right arm bowler). This is impossible to replicate with a cricket ball due to the seam – can it be down with the heavy indian tennis ball?

If Jones can’t play it has to be Collingwood, a specialist bowler would be better but it seems there are non in favour.
Think not only of the team, but Andersons career, to risky! what’s wrong with Tremlett? after carrying the drinks for the series and playing a ODI surely he not Anderson should be the first considered, if not that is poor selection policy! Worrying about him being a ‘banger in’ rather than a swinger is a bit pedantic, particularly on
a fast bouncy wicket.
The real problem is lack of bowling depth, and in such a cut-throat series, with batsmen always looking to sieze the initiative, you cannot afford to carry a bowler, Australia are losing because at times they have carried two.
Play Collingwood, he won’t
win a match with bat or ball,but he fields brilliantly and he will provide some extra backbone in this tense battle, bat him at eight and he can either consolidate with one of the stroke players or sheppard the tale, don’t fiddle with the top seven. Bowl him sparingly,as a tempo changer he should seve Vaughan well.

interesting stuff Sean, although difficult to grasp without diagrams, perhaps you could oblige?

FYI, Sean, yesterday I tried to bowl the heavy tennis ball with the cutting technique you mentioned. Maybe I’m just not a good bowler, but I could not do it well. Without 2 strong fingers I can’t bowl as accurately, and the ball didn’t turn well, either. So the effect was to reduce accuracy and pace without turning the ball.