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Miller backs Collingwood to bounce back

31/05/2008

National selector Geoff Miller has backed all-rounder Paul Collingwood to have a turn around in form sooner rather than later.

Collingwood's recent performances have come under considerable scrutiny as the Durham man has been struggling for form so far this summer.

Doubts also remain about how long Collingwood can continue to play with a shoulder injury which requires surgery but is currently being treated with cortisone injections.

Earlier in the week coach Peter Moores said he would support Collingwood at the selectors meeting and it seems England's one-day international captain has another ally in Miller.

"Nothing is going to knock Colly's confidence," said Miller.

"He'll appreciate that he's not been playing particularly well but we know him as a character and we know that a score is just around the corner."

Collingwood started the series against New Zealand down under in good form and made three half-centuries in four innings but since then he has not passed that landmark.

The 32-year-old has not passed the century mark in 23 innings, leading some experts to question his place in the team.

However, Miller insists Collingwood contributes to the team in many ways other than just with his bat.

Miller said: "He's captain of the one-day side, he's a very strong character and he came out and showed that character in the last Test match."

Collingwood scored a useful 24 not out as he got England past the winning line during the last Test at Old Trafford and he and Miller will hope that is a turning point.