Collingwood wary of Kiwi threat

Paul Collingwood is wary of underestimating New Zealand despite the absence of Shane Bond, whose contract was terminated for signing with the Indian Cricket League. England landed in Christchurch on Monday at the start of their two-month tour.

"We were preparing ourselves to play against him and it's a big loss for New Zealand that he's not here," said Collingwood. "We obviously rate him highly. Any bowler that bowls the ball at 90mph plus is pretty difficult to play against.

"He's been the spearhead of the New Zealand attack and very good at the death as well and he's going to be a big miss now [that] he's not playing."

Collingwood's team-mate, Andrew Strauss, who is currently on his stint with Northern Districts, had said Bond's absence would leave England's batsmen with not much to worry about, leading New Zealand quick bowler Chris Martin to hit back and call the remarks 'arrogant'.

However, Collingwood said that there are still a number of players in the New Zealand side who can trouble England, especially in the one-day game. He has been studying footage from their recent victories against New Zealand and isn't going to take the challenge lightly. "They've got good players like [Ross] Taylor, Jacob Oram and Brendon McCullum, players like that who can take the game away from you.

"I've always thought they are a canny side, a clever side. They play street cricket against you and no matter who comes in, I'm sure they'll put a good side out and they'll be difficult to beat."