Collingwood hails Wright moves

Luke Wright displays his power en route to a savage 71 off 49 balls against Holland in England's opening World T20 game

Paul Collingwood has paid tribute to the key role played by Luke Wright in England's progress into the second stage of the ICC World Twenty20.

England's Twenty20 captain has been impressed with the manner in which Sussex all-rounder Wright has developed in recent years to make an important contribution towards their challenge for glory on home soil.

Overlooked for the 50-over side since last summer, Wright has worked on his game and is now starting to develop on the international stage - as proven by man-of-the-match awards in both of England's group games.

He hit 71 off 49 balls in the dismal opening-day defeat to Holland and followed that by hitting 34 off 16 deliveries against Pakistan despite seeing Ravi Bopara depart early, before claiming 1-24 from three overs.

"He's really grabbed the chance with both hands," enthused Collingwood. "I think the other night was a real tester for him because Ravi's been the solid bloke at the top and to lose him early was a great example of how he still goes for it.

"That's his job at the top but it also shows how much he's come on as well over the last couple of years.

"By his own admission he probably wasn't as steady at the crease. He had all the shots but he just seems a lot more composed at the crease now and he's getting us off to great start and hitting the ball bloody hard."

Paul Collingwood has underlined the importance of Wright and Ravi Bopara making full use of the six powerplay overs

Wright's combination with Bopara at the top of the order has been one of the big success stories for England as they prepare for tonight's opening match of the Super Eights stage against South Africa at Trent Bridge.

England once again will attempt to put South Africa under pressure with an aggressive start to their innings - as they did against Pakistan - and upset one of the fancied teams for the tournament.

"I think you've got to use these first six overs of fielding restrictions," explained Collingwood.

"You've got to get at least 40 to 45 runs, but you obviously don't want to lose three or four wickets in those overs either and I think we've got the guys at the top who are doing a good job.

"So far South Africa have been the strongest team, but I think this is where the real test begins. Coming up against good sides, you'll find out where the weakest links are and where the strengths are.

"They are playing against the strongest teams and this is where it really starts and you'll be able to judge who are the best teams.

“Even if you are the best team, the experience of IPL and the last Twenty20 World Cup will tell you it doesn't mean you're going to win the game. It only takes one or two individuals to get in and anyone is beatable."