Magnificent Collingwood keeps series and career alive

On a day in which Test match cricket reminded everybody just how entertaining it can be Paul Collingwood took a big step towards salvaging this vital 3rd Test and potentially his England career.

Whilst many of the eyes were firmly focused on the fireworks provided by Kevin Pietersen, Collingwood battled away to reach a magnificent 101 not out at the end of an exhilarating third days play.

After numerous failings so far this series, for many spectators (including myself) Collingwood's England career was almost over in terms of the longer format. However, as England yet again faltered with the bat, Collingwood rode his luck to show glimpses of the form that has eluded him of late.

Since his notable double hundred in England's turbulent Ashes experience down-under, Collingwood had found runs very difficult to come-by. In contrast to the explosive and reckless Pietersen, Collingwood went about his business, safe in the knowledge that failure would almost certainly signal the end of his Test career.

In his first innings he looked edgy and nervous trying to defend his way out of trouble. He was put out of his misery after batting for forty five minutes for four runs by Morne Morkel. On this occasion he played in a positive manner, taking the fight to the South African attack, although it has to be said, still some distance from his fluent best.

If England do manage to post a competitive and defendable total they must surely need Collingwood to bat on for a big score. After finally dismissing South Africa for a lead of 83, the England batsmen yet again gave away their wickets far too easily.

In complete contrast to Pietersen, who threw his wicket away trying to hit a maximum to reach three figures, Collingwood hit a towering six to bring up his sixth England century. This one innings contained more runs than all of his previous innings this year put together. However, Saturday morning will bring a much sterner test with the new ball being available to Graeme Smith and his seam attack.

From Collingwood's point of view, even this century may not save him from the axe of Geoff Miller and the rest of the England selection committee. However, typical of the tenacious Collingwood, he was never going to go down easily.