England ODI side heading in the right direction: Collingwood

Christchurch, Feb 22 (UNI) Despite their topsy-turvy performances against New Zealand in the ongoing one-day series, England captain Paul Collingwood is convinced that his side is heading in the right direction.

''Those first two games were a massive reality check for us,'' Collingwood said. ''But I certainly think the way we are getting better and better all the time.'' England is trailing 2-1 in the series, and a win against the Kiwis here tomorrow will give them a shared series to put alongside victories over India and Sri Lanka during the past six months.

''Winning tomorrow would be a great way to finish off this series. Whatever happens I know this side wants to progress to the next level and I think we've got the players to do it,'' Collingwood said.

''I think our last two performances have shown a lot of character.

It would be a good turn-around to draw the series and we're upbeat and confident,'' he added.

England and New Zealand played out a dramatic tie in their fourth one-day international at Napier on February 20. Both teams finished on 340 runs, leaving New Zealand with a 2-1 lead in the series.

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