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Colly backs KP to bounce back
ENGLAND believe that Kevin Pietersen may yet be the man who helps them close out a famous series victory in South Africa - despite his third successive single-figure score.
Pietersen could manage only seven runs on day one of the final Test at The Wanderers before mis-pulling Morne Morkel as England slumped to a disappointing total of 180 all out.
After South Africa had closed last night on 29 for none, Paul Collingwood restated the faith he has in a batsman he recently described as England's "genius".
"In many ways, I'm quite pleased that he was going after it, attacking," said Collingwood, who himself top-scored with 47 in an innings derailed by Dale Steyn (five for 51) and Morne Morkel (three for 39).
"I'd rather him get out like that than nicking off to a length ball.
"His best way of playing is being an attacking batsman. It didn't come off this time, but I like his approach. Let's hope it comes off in the second innings."
England were arguably unfortunate not to pick up a wicket or two in 12 overs of bowling in favourable conditions last night.
"I thought we bowled excellently at the end. Our lengths were exceptional," added Collingwood.
"I think on this wicket, you're going to get a lot of plays and misses and hope you do catch the edge of the bat next time.
"You don't want to get too frustrated when you do get plays and misses, because I think both sides are going to do that.
"We hope we can hold our catches and put them under pressure and get a couple of early wickets."
He was reflecting on a day which started very badly for England when Andrew Strauss became his country's first batsman to be out to the first ball of a Test for more than 70 years.
Strauss fell to a brilliant, one-handed catch by Hashim Amla at short leg - and England never truly recovered.
"It's not an ideal start," said Collingwood. "It was a fantastic catch."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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