England coach Andy Flower defended the decision to rest Paul Collingwood and James Anderson despite the team trailing 3-0 in the one-day international series against Australia.
England coach Andy Flower defended the decision to rest Paul Collingwood and James Anderson despite the team trailing 3-0 in the one-day international series against Australia.
Durham batsman Collingwood and Lancashire pace bowler Anderson have not missed an England fixture since early February and will finally get a chance to rest their weary limbs after being told they can leave the squad preparing for today's match at Lord's.
"We see these guys in the dressing room every day and we make the judgment on who needs the rest and who doesn't," said Flower.
"They both need a rest, they are picking up physical niggles, they have been in the spotlight a long time and they need a break," the coach added.
Although England are 3-0 down in the seven-match series and need a victory to have any chance of winning the series, it was decided the strain of such a heavy schedule after the Ashes triumph had taken its toll on the duo.
Collingwood will miss the next three games, but return for the final match of the campaign. Anderson will be rested for two matches.
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