BBC Sportcricket

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 10:45 GMT, Tuesday, 6 October 2009 11:45 UK

England hopeful over Collingwood

Paul Collingwood
Collingwood is England's captain for Twenty20 internationals

England expect Paul Collingwood to be fit for the winter tour to South Africa despite the injury that has seen him withdraw from the Champions League.

The all-rounder was due to play for the Delhi Daredevils but suffered a torn muscle in one of his buttocks.

"It's anticipated he will be available for the tour," said a spokesman for the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Injured duo Kevin Pietersen and Stuart Broad are also expected to be named at the squad announcement on Thursday.

Collingwood suffered the injury during his knock of 34 against Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final.

606: DEBATE

"We have a contract with the IPL about making our players available, however Collingwood has picked up a little niggle in his buttock," said coach Andy Flower, before England departed for South Africa at the weekend.

"It is a genuine injury. We don't know how bad it is but he definitely did something when he played one of his first pull shots on Friday against Australia.

"He actually struggled through the game with that problem. It is not in any way trying to get him rest."

Ashes bowling hero Broad missed the Champions Trophy defeat with a similar injury, while batsman Pietersen picked up an Achilles problem during summer's Test series against Australia.

Pietersen's recovery was slowed down after the 29-year-old's operated foot became infected.

"We can't say yet but I am still thinking positively along the lines of him starting the South African tour," Flower confirmed.



Print Sponsor


see also
Injured Collingwood to have scan
03 Oct 09 |  England
Broad joins Wright on sidelines
17 Sep 09 |  England
Pietersen fitness concerns Flower
21 Sep 09 |  England
Pietersen doubtful for tour of SA
13 Sep 09 |  England


related bbc links:

related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites