Collingwood Smashes The Aussies Into Dismay
Collingwood Hits 206
By BarmyArmyEngland
December 2 2006
Paul Collingwood showed tremendous determination and a superb display last night to get a double century for England. His sheer passion showed as he celebrated with the Barmy Army and Kevin Pieterson to get to the double century mark.
An Australian newspaper read "is this the worst England Number Four Ever?” Surprisingly it showed a picture of our Paul Collingwood underneath the caption. I think that Australian journalist will be eating his words with a nice big slice of humble pie last night, as Collingwood showed what he is made of hitting 206 before he got out. Now Paul Collingwood is the first English batsman in 70 years to get a double century on Australian ground.
The records just kept running as Kevin Pieterson hit 158 before getting out for the third time with that same score. Pieterson and Collingwood then got a record partnership of 310 runs in Australia before Gilchrist caught Collingwood off bowler Clark.
Brett Lee thought he got Pieterson out early on in the morning, however a brilliant decision by umpire Steve Bucknor ruling no edge. Warne got wicket keeper Geraint Jones out however bowler Ashley Giles put on a solid display in getting 27no. Nevertheless, Pieterson was run out for 158 but Captain Andrew Flintoff helped out getting 38 runs before declaring at 551-6.
With just 9 overs left for England to bowl, Kevin Pieterson left Australia on 28-1 and the end of the days play as he caught out Langer with Andrew Flintoff bowling.
Pieterson and Collingwood will no doubt have one huge smile on their faces as they have helped England immensely in getting 551. I’m sure there will be masses of young cricketers going out to by Collingwood’s bat as they try to prove they can walk in his footsteps.
But for now, Collingwood has proven to his family, friends, England players, England fans, Duncan Fletcher and many critics, that he too can be the best, and boy he has certainly proved himself.