“We always look at the opportunity, rather than the failures. When you have that optimism, it’s amazing what can translate on to the cricket field. We have been in some deep holes at times but have found ways of getting out of them because of the talent in the dressing room.”
England’s success this summer has come after they pledged to “refine” the Bazball style adopted when coach Brendon McCullum took charge.
But some of their batting and field placings at The Oval has attracted criticism. England’s all-time leading run-scorer Alastair Cook said his former team have been complacent, while ex-England skipper Michael Vaughan warned them not to “take the mickey out of Test cricket”.
Collingwood, who played 68 Tests for England, is a former team-mate of both Cook and Vaughan.
“I haven’t seen any of the criticism, but we all know it will be out there,” he said. “If you don’t perform, you will get criticised. That’s fine.
“We’re not always going to get it right and today was one of those days we didn’t get it right. The guys is the dressing room will hold their hands up.
“We want to make sure we can have a clean sweep and the lads are very proud about playing for England. We’ve not felt there has been an complacency coming into this match.”
That England still have a chance is mainly down to 24-year-old Smith, who thrilled his home crowd with some stunning shots. At one point, the Surrey man took 52 runs from 18 deliveries.
And Collingwood compared the wicketkeeper to Adam Gilchrist, the legendary Australian with the ability to destroy attacks from number seven. Collingwood was part of the England side that was hammered by Gilchrist’s 57-ball century in Perth in 2006, the fastest ever in an Ashes Test.
“It’s exciting when he comes in,” said Collingwood of Smith. “He’s certainly an entertainer.
“You go back to the days of when Gilchrist would come in for Australia. It sucks the life out of you as the opposition when someone has the ability to do something like that. In his short Test career, he has shown some great skills.”