Phil’s as keen as Mustard for call-up

Nov 6 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Graeme Smith, the South Africa captain, has already started the mind games following his side’s most recent loss to England – a 22-run defeat which knocked them out of the Champions Trophy in September – but all-rounder Collingwood refused to be drawn in with his focus solely on the job at hand.

Asked whether there was any added tension between the two sides, the Shotley Bridge-born all-rounder said: "No, not at all. I think there have been a few comments in the press, but we’re honestly 100% focused on what we need to do.

"I’m sure Smith will, he has done in the past, come out with a few quotes that might get the opposition a bit niggled. But we don’t need any more motivation, this is a huge series for us, playing the number one side in the world in their back yard is going to be a big challenge for us."

That Champions Trophy match helped England improve their recent stranglehold over the South Africans in one-day cricket – they have now won five out of their last six meetings with the other game being a no-result.

Collingwood added: "I wouldn’t say we have a psychological edge, no.

"We know that if we do play to our best, we can beat anybody on the day. So hopefully we’ll have more days like that."