Collingwood says MCL has revived the competitive edge in past heroes

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  • Collingwood is leading the Capricorn Commanders who are fourth in the standings.

    The duo contested one of cricket’s most famous running duels in the early years of this century and now, thanks to the Masters Champions League, cricket fans are able to watch the two greats lock horns once more.

    With legendary names Kumar Sangakkara, Jacques Kallis, Darren Gough, Saqlain Mushtaq, Herschelle Gibbs and Virender Sehwag also joining the party in UAE, it is fair to say cricket fans of a certain generation are in cricket heaven.

    However former England ODI captain Paul Collingwood, also taking part in the MCL, is quick to point out that the pleasure is very much mutual for the players as well.

    “Once the competitive juices start flowing, the guys are getting really stuck into it,” Collingwood, who captained England to the 2010 World Twenty20 title, told Sport360. “I have been very impressed by the standard and it would be great if we could continue this in years to come.

    “It really does give a lifeline for guys that have finished their careers to come along and play in a highly-skilled tournament, enjoy each other’s company and enjoy playing cricket.

    “Just watching Abdul Razzaq bowl that last over in that thrilling win (for Capricorn Commanders against Sagittarius Strikers) and seeing his reaction after that… his arms were up high, running down the wicket as if he had just won the World Cup for Pakistan.”

    The Strikers needed eight runs from the final six balls but Razzaq conceded just three and claimed one wicket to clinch a thrilling victory for the Commanders in Dubai on Saturday.

    Collingwood added: “The skill levels are still there despite the aging bodies. What you’re seeing is a really highly skilled competition from guys who are coming out here and wanting to perform.”

    Another 20-over tournament coming soon the subcontinent is the ICC World Twenty20 in India and Collingwood underlined how important T20 franchise leagues (such as the Big Bash in Australia and the Caribbean Premier League) are in developing young talent for the international tournaments.

    “Having been involved myself in the IPL and the Big Bash I can safely say you learn so much from being around other players from other cultures,” the England limited overs coach added. “You can tap

    in to their minds about how they approach the game.”

    “It’s almost like a crash course in T20 cricket when you go to these leagues and it is crucial we get more and more players from England developing their game by going to these leagues. There’s a lot of pressure when you go to the IPL and the Big Bash as an overseas (player) and if you can handle that pressure and do well, you can take a lot of confidence from it.”

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