25 March 2024 last updated at 19:12 GMT
 
'Ind have improved their fielding'
Saturday 29 October 2011

Former England captain Paul Collingwood is impressed with the current Indian side under Mahendra Singh Dhoni, that he feels is perhaps the best fielding unit he has seen emerge from the country.

“To be honest, India have surprised England with regards to their fielding on this tour. They have been athletic and powerful, have shown a lot of skill. I have never seen a better Indian fielding side. It's very pleasing for me to see that India have developed a lot in that aspect of the game.” Collingwood told MiD DAY.

England have never done well in India and the former England captain attributes that to their failure to acclimatise and adapt to the spin-friendly conditions in the sub continent.

“We haven't adapted to the conditions well enough - it's just as simple as that. Unfortunately in sports, it's not always black and white. Sport brings up results based on certain factors. India are just too good in these conditions - that's really the only explanation. I believe that most sides have been unable to win in India for the last few years.” he explained.

The cricket in the recently concluded series might have been one-sided with India taking the honours. But the teams have not held back when it comes to verbal assaults on each other. And Collingwood believes that verbal volleys are very much a part of the game.

My perception is that when you get two good sides that want to play for their country, such things are bound to happen. In sports, you have emotions. Whether you like it or not, there are people who will react when certain things happen on the field. I think it's perfectly healthy. You just have two sides that want to win badly. There's a lot of pride and stake on the line - that's because both sides believe in their hearts that they have what it takes to be the best in the world.” Collingwood revealed.

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