May 29, 2008	Thursday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 23, 1429

LONDON, May 28: England coach Peter Moores is ready to fight for Paul Collingwood’s place in his side ahead of the final Test against New Zealand.

Moores will report to this week’s selectors’ meeting boosted by the six-wicket victory at Old Trafford which gave England a 1-0 lead in the three Test series.

But the victory won’t obscure worries over the disappointing form of several of England’s batsmen, including Collingwood, which gifted New Zealand a first innings lead.

England have gone 11 Tests without a first innings total in excess of 400 and Collingwood – nominally in the side as an all-rounder – has come under the most pressure after 22 innings without a Test century.

But coach Peter Moores will sit down with National selector Geoff Miller and fellow selector Ashley Giles this week resisting any calls for change when they announce the Test squad on Sunday.

“There’s always discussion [about changes] because I’m one of four selectors,” Moores said.

“We sit down and talk about the team for the next Test match and we talk about the future every time.

“But we’ve also got to get a balance with loyalty as well and I do think in Paul you’ve got a very good cricketer.”—AFP