Collingwood reaches a fifty against Zimbabwe

"I used to think I was good psychologically, but after Australia last year, I knew I had to lift my game by 30 per cent if I was going to build on five mediocre years at Durham.

"My first-class career average with the bat was only 26 and with a wicket every 22 overs, I needed a neck brace to track where the ball was being hit off me sometimes."

Collingwood came back from playing for Richmond in Melbourne with an award that underlined his progress.

He shared the Jack Ryder award, handed out by the grade umpires for the best performances week in,week out. So he was at last hinting at consistency.

"That was important to me,knowing that I was surviving in such a competitive environment. You could go three weeks without getting a bat out there and I just had to toughen up.

"Playing on such good wickets, I was letting the ball come later, using my feet better. I felt very confident when I started playing again for Durham last April."

Tough baptism

That sense of well-being was obvious in his excellent start to the 2001 season, but when he was picked for the one-day squad in June and July against Australia and Pakistan, the old doubts re-surfaced.

"I walked into the England dressing-room and saw the likes of Hussain,Thorpe,Gough and Stewart - players I'd been in awe of. They were all very welcoming and it was great to talk about the game with such top players, but I felt out of my depth.".

Collingwood played in four matches in the tournament, with a top score of nine.

He could easily have faded away after that, but Nasser Hussain and Duncan Fletcher were convinced Collingwood had 'bottle', that indefinable something which sets international players apart from the rest.

On the receiving end against Pakistan

His form and confidence fell away predictably after his disastrous England debut, but was retained for the one-day series to Zimbabwe, a vital tour for him.

A couple of pre-tour sessions with the England psychologist Steve Bull were invaluable.

"Steve didn't talk rocket science, more a case of common sense. He told me that I obviously had ability, otherwise I wouldn't have been good enough to play county cricket. After that, it's just another step up to cope with international cricket."

Collingwood's next major psychological test came in the third game in Zimbabwe.

Vital runs

"I ran out Mark Ramprakash and I was gutted for him because he was playing so well at the time. I knew that I could have been dropped if I failed in this innings, and luckily for me Andrew Flintoff came in, played some great shots to help me relax.

"I ended up with 30-odd, we won the match and I felt so much better. I got 70-odd in the next game, which we also won, and as my bat started to flow, the tension fell away.

"Tension inhibits any sportsman's performances and in the past I used to tighten up because I so desperately wanted to do well for my side."

Now Collingwood faces playing against Sachin Tendulkar and co.

Talk to Collingwood about the fervent atmosphere of day/night cricket in India, however, and he grins.

The football fan

"I'm used to all of that,supporting Sunderland FC ! When you've done the lottery draw during half-time at the Stadium of Light, you know all about fantastic atmospheres!"

He's too grounded an individual to allow any self-delusions about playing in the World Cup in just over a year, but is encouraged by the confidence shown in the current squad by Hussain and Fletcher.

" It's been great to read and hear that they feel this current squad is the nucleus of the World Cup party, so it's up to us all to show we're worthy of that.

"As an all-rounder, I've just got to be versatile in all disciplines and develop the knack of influencing matches consistently. That's what is needed at international level, you must enjoy the high-profile stage and grow into it."

Judging by the manner in which Collingwood has come through such a testing year, that rite-of-passage has toughened him up.

With his tremendous work ethic, willingness to learn and stronger mental approach, Collingwood could surprise a few over the next few weeks in both India and New Zealand.

Pat Murphy will be writing regularly for BBC Sport Online throughout England's tour.