LONDON (Reuters):
PAUL COLLINGWOOD compiled the highest score ever by an England batsman against Pakistan at Lord's yesterday before he was stumped for 186 on the second day of the first Test.
Collingwood overhauled Tom Graveney's previous mark of 153 set in 1962 to anchor the home side's 528 for nine declared, their highest total against the tourists at Lord's.
At the close, Pakistan were struggling at 66 for three, a scoreline that completed another fine day for the home side after erratic performances against Sri Lanka.
Collingwood took a spectacular catch at third slip, leaping high to dismiss Faisal Iqbal for a duck off Steve Harmison two balls after acting captain Andrew Strauss had caught Salman Butt off the same bowler for 10.
TEST CENTURY
Ian Bell joined Collingwood and Alastair Cook by scoring his first Test century at Lord's, reaching his landmark with last man Monty Panesar at the crease. Cook was out in the morning session after adding only four to his overnight 101.
Bell, who along with fellow century makers Collingwood and Cook, is fighting for one of the two places left in the batting order when Flintoff returns, had no illusions about his future despite his controlled and fluent innings.
"I have come into to replace Freddie (Flintoff) for this game and when he gets fit he plays," Bell told a news conference. "But I hope I have shown people that I can play at this level. Today I definitely enjoyed it."
Collingwood, who came to the crease with England precariously placed at 88 for three on the opening morning on Thursday, struck 23 fours in a seven-hour stay before he was stumped off Danish Kaneria.
He was again composed and correct after resuming on 107 in an overnight total of 309 for three, scoring freely through the leg side and taking full toll of any short deliveries outside the off stump.
