Collingwood and Anderson rested by England

Paul Collingwood has said fatigue is the reason for England's poor one-day displays (Reuters)

England have rested Paul Collingwood and James Anderson for three and two matches respectively in the current NatWest Series against Australia.

Both men, neither of whom have missed an England fixture since early February, have left the squad preparing for tomorrow's must-win match at Lord's.

Despite England being 3-0 down in the seven-match series, they have opted to give short breaks to the two most-capped men in their party, such is the heavy schedule.

Former captain Collingwood will return for the final match of the campaign at Chester-le-Street next weekend.

Anderson, meanwhile, will join up with the squad again for the second of back-to-back day-nighters at Trent Bridge.

England jet out to South Africa for the Champions Trophy on Monday, September 21, which means the only chance to combat player fatigue is to rest them against world champions Australia despite the threat of a series thrashing.

Although granted these few days of downtime, Collingwood, 33, faces the prospect of a full 12 months without a meaningful break.

He has been engaged in international action since January 20 and is contractually obliged to make himself available for Delhi Daredevils in next month's Champions League.

That club tournament takes place during a three-and-a-half-week lull for England's players, who leave for the tour of South Africa on November 1.

That tour comprises four Tests and five one-day internationals and finishes on January 18.