Colly's England Century - First Class?

By Jon Steer
March 4 2004

Paul Collingwood took full use of his chance to bat in England's second innings against Jamaica scoring 103, his first cetury for England away from one-day cricket. The opportunity cam after Mark Butcher sprained ankle ligaments while fielding.

Batting at number three Colly was disciplined and controlled during a 110 partnership with Flintoff before accelerating to his century as the declaration loomed closer.

Colly was the thirteenth English player to take part in the match, a dispensation that was agreed by the Jamaican team after Mark Butcher was carried off. Little more than an hour after the injury Colly was told that he would be opening the England innings but was then moved down the order to number three which proved very successful.

Whether the century will go down in the record books as a first class score will depend on a ruling by the West Indian cricket authorities. Colly is hopeful that the ruling will go in his favour but said that the most important thing was preparation for the first test.

The selectors will now have to decide whether to take a risk on Mark Butcher's injured ankle. The next warm up match is likely to be crucial for both players.