Paul Collingwood reckons the NatWest Series victory over India is just the fillip England need ahead of the inaugural World Twenty20.
England boosted by NatWest triumph
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Paul Collingwood reckons the NatWest Series victory over India is just the fillip England need ahead of the inaugural ICC World Twenty20.
England flew into Johannesburg on Sunday less than 24 hours after wrapping up a 4-3 series victory at Lord's, but the skipper insists there is no suggestion his side could be jaded.
Turnaround
"It's been a quick turnaround coming here but playing a lot of cricket recently will be good for us. Our skills are up to scratch and we're obviously match-fit," the Durham all-rounder said.
"We played some fantastic cricket against India, so we will go into this tournament with a lot of confidence and, with the experienced Twenty20 players we have in the squad, hopefully that will give us an edge."
The bookies make England fifth favourites at a general 8/1 to lift the trophy and Collingwood admits that is about right for a side which lost a one-day series at home to the West Indies earlier in the summer.
"I wouldn't make us favourites but it's been a couple of days since the win over India, so we are all in a buoyant mood and that could work in our favour," he added.
Freddie
England's talisman Andrew Flintoff has been beset by injury problems for the last year and had a cortisone injection in his troublesome left ankle to enable him to play at Lord's, but his skipper is hoping the all-rounder can play every game in South Africa.
"Freddie has a bit of soreness in his ankle, which we will assess as we go. But hopefully he can play every game. He is desperate to play. He's a massive player for us - he's two players in one."
England get their campaign under way on Thursday lunchtime against Zimbabwe. The tournament opens with the hosts facing West Indies on Tuesday evening.
