Collingwood gives bowlers credit

ENGLAND captain Paul Collingwood may be out of form with the bat but he lauded his team’s bowlers after their World Twenty20 semi-final victory over Sri Lanka at the Beausejour Cricket Ground yesterday.“Full credit goes to the bowlers, who went out there and adapted  to the conditions on a slow wicket,” he said in a post-match interview.“I’m delighted with how they performed today. The guys have really been preparing well, analysing the opposition, and seeing where we can take wickets,”  he added.He said that while most spectators would love to see  an England-Australia final at Kensington Oval on Sunday, defending champions Pakistan deserve respect.Losing Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara was gracious in defeat, acknowledging that their total  of 128 for six wasn’t enough  for England to chase.“Unfortunately, we didn’t start too well, losing three wickets in the first six overs. Everyone has  been hitting the ball well,  but we didn’t make the most  of our opportunities.”However, Sangakkara singled  out Mahela Jayawardene, pacer Lasith Malinga, and all-rounder Angela Mathews for praise  in the tournament.“We’ve had a great run,  but today is a day we won’t want  to remember. We need to do  a lot of work but it was a credible performance to get this far.”  (EZS)