Paul Collingwood books place in Ashes plans
In seven months' time the next Ashes series begins and, in the context of a rivalry over 120 years old, a lot more than $20 million will be at stake
George Binoy
25-Feb-2013
In seven months' time the next Ashes series begins and, in the context of a rivalry over 120 years old, a lot more than $20 million will be at stake. Only the strongest temperaments and minds need apply to represent England against Australia, and this winter's cricket – in its various formats – has already gone a long way to sorting them out, writes Scyld Berry in the Sunday Telegraph.
Kevin Pietersen was long since booked in as England's world-class batsman; and on Saturday Paul Collingwood added himself to the list. It was a tough situation, 118 ahead and the last pair of specialist batsmen together, but Collingwood was built for tough situations. If he was called up, he would be flown in behind enemy lines because he knows all the dirty tricks; and if he was captured, he would not so much as squeak.
Collingwood looked as if he took himself back to Edgbaston last summer. Then he was in the last chance saloon. Michael Vaughan had a word with him; he told him to trust his instincts, to play with freedom, to be more positive. Don't go out poking and prodding, writes Vic Marks in the Guardian.
George Binoy is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo