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Cricket

Pietersen welcomes Collingwood's return

25/08/2008

England captain Kevin Pietersen says he is happy to have former skipper Paul Collingwood available to him once more following his suspension.

Collingwood has missed England's last four one-day internationals after International Cricket Council (ICC) officials tired of England's slow over rates under the Durham man.

With the first one-day match in the current series having been washed out and England winning the second match by 20 runs Collingwood's absence has not been too obvious.

However, Pietersen is delighted to have the all-rounder back available for selection and claims he will instantly improve the side.

"The team definitely strengthens with Colly coming back in," said Pietersen.

"He will bat at six, bowl his medium pace and field at backward point, and he has 150 games of one-day international experience.

"So to have him back with the ability he has got, and that kind of experience, is an extra boost as well."

Collingwood's return to the side could be well timed as he now appears to have found some form – having struggled at the start of the summer.

He scored an unbeaten 65 off just 55 balls for Durham in their eight-wicket win over Worcestershire in the Pro40 yesterday.

Collingwood is likely to replace either Ravi Bopara or Luke Wright in the one-day side. However, Bopara may have helped his cause after claiming 2-18 off five overs in Essex's comprehensive win over Glamorgan yesterday.

The fact that Bopara also bowled a little in the second one-day international may hint that Wright will be the man to make way for Collingwood.