Averaging only 15 with the bat and sparingly used with the ball, Collingwood's role in this Ashes series has been limited to catching bullets in the slips and acting as an experienced influence to some of the younger tour party members.
Journalists circle round in a vulture-like fashion bombarding England teammates with questions designed for that one slip; that one indication that support in the camp for Paul has switched, that he doesn't bring enough to the 'party' anymore or that he isn't dealing well with the Ashes pressure.
But his teammates stand firm, and with good reason. To drop Collingwood would be grossly unjust and more damaging than helpful to the England team. Here is a man with a proven track record, a cricketer who has fought 'tooth and nail' to play on the grandest stage of them all and achieve. Forget the recent run of form, forget how he resembles a crab when he bats; just remember this...
Paul Collingwood is proven.
Paul Collingwood is a winner.
Paul Collingwood has 10 Test Match hundreds to his name
Paul Collingwood averages over 40 in Test Match Cricket
Paul Collingwood has scored a Test Match double hundred in Australia against a far superior team than the current crop.
That is enough for me.
Add in that he's the world's best fielder and very handy medium pace bowler (useful in the Australian heat). Need I say more.
If he's given the chance to carry on in Melbourne and then Sydney, 'Colly' will let no-one down.
OK then Mickey, tell me that when this sort of debate was arising about Michael Owen's inclusion in the England team a few years ago, you weren't shouting "get the fucker out" despite his "proven, winning" track record and outstanding goal record for England.
ReplyDeleteDespite at the time the shout for younger, (arguably on form) better stikers available.
From a angry and bitter West Ham Fan who will argue a toss for anything
Defending the specialist fielder that can bat and bowl a bit Taylor...
ReplyDeleteBowl a bit??? have you seen his pies recently.
ReplyDeleteThink the article is sound the Owen thing is different for two reasons. One Owen was being brought back into the team (not retained) which was a backwards step, and two Owen has been riddled with injury which has severely reduced his effectiveness...unlike Collingwood who is fit as a fiddle.
i personally feel we should bring back that WELSH lad simon jones hes quality.
ReplyDelete