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Relieved Collingwood cherishes 'special day' after century

01/08/2008

England hero Paul Collingwood admits it was one of the best days of his career after hitting a century to respond to his critics.

Collingwood is unbeaten on 101, his sixth Test century, to give England a 214-lead against South Africa at Edgbaston.

The 32-year-old was set to be dropped from the side for the second time in the series after making four in the first innings.

But he hit 14 boundaries and a six to revive his England career and his side's chances of victory.

Collingwood said it had been a "special day" because his international career was on the line.

"Everyone knows I've been under pressure out there so it was nice to go out there and get the hundred," he told Sky Sports.

"I've been feeling the pressure - it's as simple as that.

"Professional sport is a tough industry when you're not doing your job and as a batsman you've got to go out and score runs and I haven't been doing that.

"Of course I came under pressure but today was one of those situations when I go out there and be aggressive in my strokeplay, and it came off today. Today was my day."

With two days remaining, Collingwood admitted that England need a large lead to win the Test.

"We certainly need a few more [runs] I think," Collingwood said.

"Hopefully Monty [Panesar] will get a few to turn out there but we'll have to wait and see how long we can bat tomorrow."