I don't really understand your thread - I thought even before he got this 200 that he was an England regular.

Those who are expecting to take wickets also must be these people, Collingwood will be in the England line up for years to come.

He is not that good an all-rounder, but must be close to being the best batsman in England, he is and wil be - Mr Reliable.

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Ern

I'm a longstanding admirer of Collingwood.. but his place is only going to be secure when England find enough confidence in the bowlers to play Flintoff at 7 (which strikes me as the only way we're likely to see Panesar in at 11).

If Flintoff moves to 7 then the top five can be nailed by Strauss, Cook, Bell, Vaughan, Pietersen... with Joyce knocking ever harder on the door as he establishes himself as the 'new Gower'... but if England stick with the 5 man attack... the competition is going to be rather tougher - though Collingwood strikes me as wonderfully comfortable with an in-out existence as 1st reserve.

I think some people under-estimate how highly regarded Colly is by both his coach and captain. While he did look most likely to be the fall guy before trescothicks departure from the tour, it is widely believed that meetings were had to discuss the playing of colly at number 7 between the coaching staff.

I personally have always been a huge fan, and can think of no more deserving player to achieve some long-overdue recognition. His fighting grit and determination are a shining example in his field, and his selfless devotion to both hard-work and his team-mates speak volumes of his character.

No I can't agree with you on this one, I have had a lot of faith in Collingwood the batsman, but Flintoff is better at 6, he is to good to bat 7, even Fletcher worked that one out.

Batting with the England tail would be a complete waste of Flintoff.

Hoggard can't bat, neither can Harmison nor can Panesar - and where does jones bat - above Flintoff ?.

You seem to forget Rachael that England in 2005 had probable the best seam attack in the world, but that did not mean Flintoff batted at 7, in fact he was near if not England best batsman in 2005 bating at 6.
I think you are assuming vaughan will return - and keep his place, long odds on that IMO.

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Ern