Collingwood remains postive

Pa
Thursday 14 January 2010 13:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Paul Collingwood insisted England are still confident of victory in the final Test against South Africa despite a horror show in their first innings at The Wanderers today.

England went into the match knowing a draw would be enough to secure victory in the series but they were skittled for 180, with Dale Steyn taking five wickets and Morne Morkel three.

South Africa then reached 29 without loss in a rain-affected last session before bad light brought an end to play for the day.

Collingwood, who was England's top scorer with 47, told Sky Sports: "We're disappointed with a total like that but I think we've got enough armoury in our ranks that we can cause problems for them.

"Obviously we have to do better second time around."

He added: "We could have taken a couple of wickets at the end there and the bowlers were a touch unlucky.

"Test matches are long games and a lot can happen but, with an innings like that, we have to be right on the mettle in the morning."

Amid the disappointing showings from England's batsmen was another failure by Kevin Pietersen, who is still searching for his best form after injury.

Collingwood, though, has no worries about the South Africa-born star, saying "I'm sure he disappointed but he's been a rock in the dressing room. We've always said he's one innings away and that could be the second innings."

Collingwood's knock included two sixes and he defended his aggressive approach in the face of hostile bowling from Steyn and Morkel.

"It was difficult from both of them," he said. "They have different attributes and you had to be right on your mettle. Today we probably weren't good enough.

"On a pitch like that it comes onto the bat really nice so, no matter what the situation, I think you have to back yourself to score runs. We've said from the start, we didn't come here to play for a draw."

England changed their line-up for the first time in the series, with Ryan Sidebottom coming in to replace Collingwood's Durham team-mate Graham Onions.

"He's disappointed but the captain and coach said we needed fresh legs," added Collingwood. "Siddy's shown his accuracy and swing are going to be tough to play in these conditions."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in