We want to kick on from here: Collingwood

BRIDGETOWN - After lifting the World Twenty20 trophy, Paul Collingwood hoped their first major world title will herald a new beginning for English cricket.

“It’s going to be right up there. This is the first world cup we’ve ever won,” Collingwood said after England beat Australia by seven wickets in the final here Sunday.

“We want to kick on from this. This is the first trophy we’ve ever won, we’re going to enjoy it, we are going to savour it,” an elated Collingwood said.

“We have got some good players in the side, and with the work ethic we’ve had this year, I think we’re starting to see the results on the pitch. We are getting there, and we have today.”

Collingwood said the team was pretty confident before the final against Australia.

He said the bowlers gave them the chance after taking three early wickets.

“When you want to be the best you’ve got to beat the best. When we got them three wickets down early, we gave ourselves a great opportunity. They fought back with partnership from David Hussey and Cameron White, but Kevin Pietersen batted brilliantly.”

Pietersen, who was declared the player of the tournament with 248 runs in the competition, said it has been a fascinating week for him.

“A pretty interesting week for me, a little kid on Monday and this trophy today. This is for the whole team. Winning is a habit you create, and this team is hungry for success.”

What a great tournament we had. Its good for the boys. It’s never easy playing Australia, but our bowlers did a great job this morning and 150 wasn’t enough.”

Opener Craig Kieswetter, who was awarded the man of the match for scoring 63, said Pietersen batting at the other end took the pressure off him.

“I wouldn’t say it was easy, but its nice to get runs in a final. KP took the pressure off, allowed me to play quite freely. A lot of work still needs to be done on my keeping, and I’ll be putting in some hard yards in at Taunton.”