By Jon Steer
March 9 2006

Paul Collingwood hit 134 not out and 36 not out in the first test against India to defy critics that had labled him a 'bits and pieces' player. His maiden century was particularly impressive, drawing universal acclaim from all sides. Despite scoring 80 and 96 in the previous test match, Colly would probably have been watching rather than playing in Nagpur had Trescothick and Vaughn not been missing. The eleven that England settled on must have been the youngest side for a long time - Colly found himself as the oldest player in an England shirt despite not being 30 until later this year.

When Colly walked out England were wobbling at 110-3, partnerships of 26 with debutant Alistair Cook and then 68 with stand in captain Flintoff took the score to 204-5. A century must have been the last thing on Colly's mind when England slipped to 267-8 and he hadn't passed 50...

Cue Steve Harmison who decided that attack was the best policy (not that he ever plays any differently) and hit 39 from 42 balls, outscoring Colly in a partnership that added 60 for the ninth wicket. Monty Panesar then showed that he could bat and survived long enough for Colly to reach his maiden test century and reach 134 not out when the innings came to an end.

Martin Moxon was one of the first to praise Colly's century and pointed to his superb form in the County Championship last season as the foundation to his latest success.

In his second innings Colly helped England accelerate when setting a target, reaching 36 not out from 56 balls bringing his total to 170 not out for the match and a total of 346 runs from his last four innings.

Colly's performance must guarantee him selection for the rest of the tour regardless of the return of missing players and any further success should lead to his inclusion for a long time to come.