Collingwood plays down favourites' tag

Paul Collingwood is playing down expectations for England's cricketers following their one-day series victory over India.

Collingwood and his men find themselves in the unusual position as one of the favourites to become the inaugrual winners of the ICC World Twenty20 tournament in South Africa.

Darren Maddy, Chris Schofield, Vikram Solanki, James Kirtley and Jeremy Snape have been brought into the squad for the 20-over competition.

And bowler James Anderson, promising all-rounder Luke Wright and big-hitting batsman Kevin Pietersen will be out to shine.

England limited overs captain Collingwood said: "I wouldn't make us favourites. The beauty of this competition is that every team is coming here thinking they maybe could win it.

"Twenty20 cricket can be like that. It can take one innings or one bowling spell to turn the match around, but it is good from our point of view that we have been playing a lot very recently."

The Durham all-rounder continued: "Our skills should be up to scratch and we're obviously match-fit and hopefully that's the edge we need to go all the way."

England will be hoping talismanic all-rounder Andrew Flintoff can find his top form and keep clear of his persistent ankle problems.

Flintoff was given two injections in a week just to get him through the one-day series against India and Collingwood added: "I hope he can play the whole tournament, but we're going to have to assess it as we go along.

"He's desperate to play for England but he's got a bit of soreness in the ankle and we'll be sensible about it.

"As long as he's desperate to play and it's the right decision for the day Freddie will play. He is a massive player for us and I've always said he is two players in one, not only on the pitch but also his character off the pitch.

"He is of massive importance in the dressing room and he spurs everybody on, he's that kind of character. It's great to have him here and hopefully he can play a massive part."

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