Collingwood hails bowlers after series win
Collingwood has been pleased with England's progress during the series
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Wednesday, 10, Oct 2007 09:27
England captain Paul Collingwood hailed the work ethic and accuracy of his bowlers after sealing a historic series win against Sri Lanka with a five-wicket victory in Colombo.
The tourists slumped to a 119-run defeat in their opening game but Collingwood claims that his team's comeback is all the more impressive because of the improvement that has come since then.
Following an unimpressive World Twenty20 campaign in South Africa before the tour many commentators gave England little chance against the World Cup runners-up.
Collingwood says the team have proved them wrong, adding: "Before we came out here, a lot of people wrote us off.
"After the first game it was difficult work. The way the boys have bounced back has been a credit to the players."
The all-rounder said the team had found conditions hard but was pleased with the way they had managed to adapt.
He said: "Special mention to the bowlers. A great effort. It was really, really hot out there. All the boys have been superb since day one."
In their three victories England's seam bowlers have been able to restrict Sri Lanka's dangerous top-order batsmen and Collingwood says that is down to the work they have done between games.
"The bowlers went away, worked on their skills, came back and have bowled fantastically well since," said the captain.
Man-of-the-match Alastair Cook also acknowledged the contribution from the bowlers, claiming that they deserved the award more than he did.