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Moores defends under-fire Collingwood

30/07/2008

England coach Peter Moores has defended under-fire batsman Paul Collingwood as after he was dismissed cheaply again in the third Test against South Africa.

Collingwood has been out of form so far this summer, notching just 96 runs in nine first class innings, and was left out of the second Test at Headingley.

Many experts were surprised to see him recalled to the side for the Edgbaston Test, reasoning that a return to County cricket could help him recapture his form.

Collingwood made just four runs to England's total of 231 all out, as the top order continued to struggle as a unit against South Africa's pace attack.

However, Moores defended the inclusion of Collingwood in the side, claiming his past performances should earn him some extra time to rediscover his best form before he is dropped altogether.

Moores said: "We wanted to play a different shape in this game because we thought it was our best team.

"He is playing pretty well in his practice and he has another dig in the game, so he's got a chance. He's a tough bloke Colly and he has played well for England over the last 12-18 months."

England arguably have a like-for-like replacement in Essex's Ravi Bopara, who underlined his credentials with a blistering 112 not out off 52 balls against Derbyshire in a Pro40 match on Monday.

But Moores says he and his coaching staff believe Collingwood will come good if given time.

"He has had a bad run of scores but we support him because we think he is playing well enough and can come through that. Paul has served England very well in the past and I think will do long into the future," said Moores.

With Michael Vaughan also toiling with the bat without great success both England Test captain and their one-day captain are under pressure. If both men were axed that would leave the side without much natural leadership which could account for their continued inclusion.