Moores upbeat for Twenty20

Captain Colly impresses coach as England look to make an impact

Last updated: 10th September 2007

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Moores: Upbeat

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Peter Moores insists England are not going to South Africa to make up the numbers at the ICC World Twenty20.

The squad flew out on Sunday off the back of clinching the NatWest Series against India with a seven-wicket win at Lord's the previous day.

Moores hopes the fact that England have been playing tough matches right before a major tournament will work in their favour, as well as the addition of Twenty20 expertise from the likes of Darren Maddy and Jeremy Snape.

Belief

"It would be crazy to go into any tournament not believing you can win," he said.

"We have a lot of players who have played a lot of Twenty20 cricket and been successful domestically.

"But we have had a different build-up to everyone else, so hopefully these seven pressurised games between evenly-matched sides will hold the squad's competitive edge."

Paul Collingwood will be hoping he can improve even further on his 50 per cent win ratio as England captain.

The Durham batsman has grown in the role since taking over from Michael Vaughan following the team's dismal showing at the World Cup.

Captain's role

Moores has certainly been impressed with his one-day leader and feels his 64 not out on Saturday shows he can cope with the extra pressure that captaincy brings.

"He should look back on it and be very proud how he has developed as a captain," said the England coach.

"The last three or four games we have played have been very tight and he has batted and bowled very well, which shows he can deliver his own skill and still be captain.

"Tactically he has shown he is very able, the way he has mixed bowlers, been inventive at times and stayed calm under pressure.

"He is learning very quickly about the options he has got and improving all the time."

England kick-off their Twenty20 campaign against Zimbabwe on Thursday before facing Australia the following day. Both matches are in Cape Town.