ENGLAND will be hoping the arrival of Paul Collingwood will act as the lucky talisman they need to lift them to an unexpected success and end Australia's four years of home dominance in Friday's third Ashes Test.
The Durham all-rounder joined up the rest of the squad today having been called up from Melbourne, where he was playing grade cricket for Richmond, as batting cover for injury doubts Michael Vaughan and John Crawley.
He is the 21st person to be named in England's Ashes squad since the original 16 were first revealed last September at Lord's and could be in line for his Test debut at the WACA on Friday if the tourists decide to strengthen their line-up by naming seven specialist batsmen.
Collingwood has a reputation as a player for the big occasion, as he has proved numerous times during his 25 one-day internationals and England and will be hoping he can lift the gloom surrounding the squad after a difficult opening five weeks to the tour.
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