Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Barry Geraghty has no ground fears for Grandouet
Monday, 15 November 2010
Collingwood shines on his lucky ground
Paul Collingwood continued his special relationship with the Adelaide Oval by hitting an impressive 94 in England’s draw against South Australia.
In England’s disastrous tour Down Under four years ago, Collingwood’s double century in Adelaide was one of the few positives to take from the 5-0 series whitewash.
The match against South Australia was England’s second of three warm-up games heading into the opening Test at the Gabba in Brisbane at the end of the month.
England will have been pleased to see most of their batsmen score some runs and get some more match time.
Collingwood had struggled at times during the summer and the all-rounder looked out of touch in England’s opening tour match against Western Australia. The experienced Collingwood found his form though, putting on a 131 partnership with Bell, hitting 13 fours and a six in his 116 ball innings. It was classic Collingwood, saving England at a time when they were struggling on 95-4.
Collingwood’s importance at number five shouldn’t be underestimated. His ability to dig in and save an innings from seemingly impossible situations, has made him one of England’s most valuable players and his the Aussies will be hoping to keep him quiet during this series. His runs from number five and ability to bat with the tail will make him an integral part of England’s plans to win their first series on Australian soil for 24 years. The Ashes betting now makes the tourists favourites to retain the urn.
As well as Collingwood’s welcome innings, Ian Bell and Alistair Cook both found some form as well and England’s batting line-up looks strong heading into the series. Bell scored an attractive 61, and opener Cook scored a much needed century after a tough few months. The cricket betting tips don’t suggest Bell will be England’s top run scorer, but he’s looking in decent nick.
Bell once again showed the Aussies why they should be wary of underestimating the man dubbed “The Sherminator” by Shane Warne during the series four years ago. His 61 came from the usual array of attractive shots which the Warwickshire man can produce seemingly at ease. If he can handle the pressure of the series then Bell could have a big part to play this winter.
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