England one-day skipper Paul Collingwood will miss the side’s next four limited overs matches. He has been banned by the ICC due to England’s poor over rate in Wednesday’s one-wicket loss to New Zealand.
The ban, rather than the usual fine or suspended ban, was imposed because it was Collingwood’s second offence in a year. England were also more than two overs short of the required rate against India at Bristol on August 24th last year. The only good news is that he won’t be fined a hefty whack of his match fee – the ban is deemed punishment enough.
Kevin Pietersen will lead the side in Collingwood’s absence. His first task will be to rally the troops after the poor showing at the Oval. New Zealand are 2-1 up with one to play and England will be looking to quickly re-establish the dominance they have held over the visitors for most of this year. The test match odds always back England v New Zealand, but this isn’t the case during limited over matches.
One thing is for sure, Pietersen will lead from the front – I just wonder whether he has the nous and man-management skills to really take the job on.
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