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 Southampton, August 20: Laid low after
injured pacer Ryan Sidebottom was ruled out of the one day
series opener against India, England ODI captain Paul
Collingwood is finding solace in the return of talismanic
all-rounder Andrew Flintoff. "He is a two-in-one kind of player.
He's a world-class performer and it's great to have him back,"
said an elated Collingwood, who would be hoping for the
all-rounder to hit form in the seven-match ODI series which gets
underway here tomorrow.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the first ODI
against India at the Rose Bowl, the England captain also backed
his much-maligned wicketkeeper Matt Prior, who had a torrid time
in the final Test against India.
"Matt has come in for a bit of
criticism but we believe he is the best wicket-keeper-batsman to
go out there and do the job." Aware that his team can't brag
about its rather mundane record in the shorter version of the
game, Collingwood said the ODI series against India would be an
ideal opportunity for the side to emerge as a better one day
squad.
"We've got a great opportunity of playing a
lot of one-day cricket to develop our skills and approach. We
want to get better and know we have to." For the record, England
has just 14 wins from 35 games since June 2006. In its previous
series at home, West Indies beat them 2-1. India has won seven
of its last 10 ODIs against England. And after having beaten
South Africa in Belfast, they will start as favourites in the
seven-match series. (Agencies)
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