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28.06.08

The Times - Collingwood must learn from his mistake

Published by Shane Warne

What sort of captain does Paul Collingwood want to be? That is the question he can ask himself during his enforced layoff. The break will give him a good opportunity to reflect and it could be a really good learning curve for his leadership if he comes back stronger and wiser.

I cannot remember being in a similar position as a captain, where there was a chance to recall a batsman after a collision mid-pitch going for a run. My teams have always been tough in the middle, but we have always been fair at the same time and I hope I would have done the right thing. Collingwood has always played the game in the right spirit. He is a fighter and a bloke you would want in your side. We all make mistakes on the field when things are tight and a decision is needed in seconds. But what disappointed me at the Brit Oval on Wednesday was that he had time to weigh up the options.

Unfortunately it is something that he will have to live with. He will be known as the man who who did not show the right sportsmanship when he had the opportunity. Captains do not get many chances to portray what they are really like. Tactically, yes, but not always what they stand for deep down. I want to be constructive, not slaughter the guy. Yes, we have had the odd difference on the field, but he has my respect as a cricketer and a person. He needs to address what happened so that it does not eat away. The big thing is that the captain runs the show. He is the one – not the coach – who determines how a team are remembered.

The two columns “W” and “L” – the wins and losses – are important, but so is the way you play the game. Collingwood has acknowledged that he was wrong and he should see this as a turning point. He will be able to work out the way he wants his teams to play the game and how he wants them to be perceived. 

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