Collingwood - We are ready

Ashes rivals ready to do battle at Kensington Oval in Barbados

Last updated: 16th May 2010  

Collingwood - We are ready

Collingwood poses with Australia captain Michael Clarke ahead of the final

We always knew what Australia were capable of. Whoever we played against in the final were going to be a strong side

Paul Collingwood
Quotes of the week

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS
ICC World Twenty20 final
England v Australia
Sunday, 4pm, Sky Sports 1

SKY BET ODDS
England are 5/4 to beat Australia in the ICC World Twenty20 final on Sunday. The Aussies are 8/13 to lift the trophy. Click here for all markets.

Related links

Teams

Also see

England captain Paul Collingwood insists his side seem "very relaxed" ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 final against Australia on Sunday.

Victory over their Ashes rivals at the Kensington Oval in Barbados would see England claim their first International Cricket Council tournament triumph.

While Collingwood is well aware that his country's record in finals is not good - they have reached four and lost them all - he feels this current crop of players are ready to deliver this time around.

The Durham all-rounder has led his team to four successive wins in the Caribbean, including an impressive semi-final triumph over Sri Lanka.

Great sign

"There are a lot of guys in our side that haven't experienced finals - but I really do sense they are ready," he said.

"The guys seem very relaxed going into such a big occasion, and that's a great sign.

"I think if you have played in big matches it does help. But if you are fresh into a side and you don't know what it's all about it can sometimes help."

It looked likely for much of Friday's second semi-final in St Lucia that England would be playing Pakistan in Sunday's showpiece.

But Australia somehow managed to dig themselves out of a hole thanks to a stunning innings from Michael Hussey, who hit 60 off 24 deliveries.

The left-hander smashed three sixes in Saeed Ajmal's final over to see his side home to a sensational three-wicket victory against all odds.

"We always knew what Australia were capable of. Whoever we played against in the final were going to be a strong side," Collingwood said, having watched Australia's unlikely victory in England's hotel in Barbados.

"Nothing surprised us yesterday. All we can concentrate on is our game.

"There's plenty of confidence in our side, the way we've played throughout this tournament has given us a lot of belief.

"We believe we've got the skills to beat any side on the day."

With the added spice of an England and Australia clash ahead of an Ashes series this winter Down Under, Collingwood admits the occasion will be something special.

Old enemy

"I don't think you need any extra motivation. This is a 'World Cup' final, no matter who you're playing against," he added. "This is what it's all about; this is why we play the game of cricket.

"This is literally the ultimate. You've got through to a 'World Cup' final; you're playing against the old enemy, Australia. It doesn't get much better than this.

"You're going to see two very good sides with a lot of confidence, going head to head."

The World Twenty20 crown is the only major trophy that Australia, who had coasted through the tournament until they faced Pakistan, have yet to win.