Cricket: Collingwood Keen to End Tour on a High

Paul Collingwood quickly set his sights on victory in the Commonwealth Bank Series final after England beat New Zealand by 14 runs in Brisbane.

Collingwood scored a fine 106 in the first innings at the Gabba before returning two for 46 with the ball as England dug deep to see off the Black Caps.

"It's been a tough tour, a long tour and we wanted to finish on a high," he said. "To put the performances in, in the last two games was important. We're over the moon. We've got the World Cup coming up but we've got the [best of three] finals here and hopefully we'll have a strong end [to the tour]. We're learning all the time and we've put in two very good performances back to back."

Despite his fine display with the bat, Collingwood believes England booked their final place against the hosts thanks to their bowling. "They were going well with only three wickets down but we got wickets at vital times at the back end. Nobody really got in and helped Stephen Fleming [who also hit 106]."

Collingwood also hailed Michael Vaughan's return to the side after a hamstring injury. "He brings a calmness to the camp and he's good to have around," he added.

Vaughan himself was evasive about his own fitness but praised his players for their efforts. "[The hamstring] is a bit touch-and-go but I'll keep working hard and hopefully make the finals," he said. "Full credit to the whole team for the way they've responded in the last few days. To beat Australia in Sydney was real confidence boost. Colly will be a happy man. He's had a tough few weeks but hopefully this is the sign of things to come. But we know we've got a lot of improving to do in the one-day game. Five days ago nobody gave us any chance of getting to the final but we beat Australia and a very strong New Zealand side."