England one-day captain Paul Colli-ngwood said Andrew Flin-toff’s return would boost the hosts' bowling attack and play an important part in the series against India.

“Getting Freddie back gives us a lot of balance and you can play Monty as well. That kind of balance to the bowling attack is important to a one-day side and I hope Freddie takes wickets -- he is a natural wicket-taker. Anderson is also a wicket-taker. Now, it’s a lot better bowling unit," Collingwood said.

"Freddie will bat at number six. He is looking to get back and bowl his full 10 overs. To have Freddie back in the team is a great feeling for me as a captain, but a great feeling for the team as well.

“It's pretty much like having two players in one. I am sure he is ready for the challenges in international cricket," Collingwood added.

The Durham player said the series against India was a chance to develop the team further in the one-day format.
Ambitious plans

“It's not about only the one-dayers against India. We have got an opportunity to play good one-day cricket for the next two months. Development of the side and our approaches and our skills individually will hopefully make us a better one-day side. That's what our aim is," he said.

“Things like changes in approach and intent don't happen overnight. We certainly are on the right track, so it comes down pretty much to execution," he added.

Collingwood said England still have to go a long way as a one-day team, but that has not undermined their confidence.

"We believe we have to improve, and that is something we have learned from the series against the West Indies. Hopefully, this two-month time is a perfect time for the one-day side to evolve, and that is we are looking forward to.

“If you look at the ICC rankings, we are up with the best, and the players in our side are pretty confident that we can cause an upset. We know they are going into the series as favourites, but on our day if we play good cricket, we can beat the best."

Faith in Prior
Collingwood supported the wicket-keeper Matt Prior and said the underfire player will open the batting.

"Prior will certainly open. I know he has gone through a lot of criticism. We know he's a world-class batsman-keeper and he'll go out there and hopefully do the same as he did against the series in the West Indies.

“When talk is directed towards a player, it's pretty disturbing. It's for all the players and the management to get behind him and back him up. I believe he has got the character to shine through. Sometimes these hardships can make you a stronger player and individual,” he said.