The Commonwealth Bank Series, 2006-07

At Brisbane, February 6, 2007 (day/night). England won by 14 runs. England 4 pts. Toss: England.

England sealed their place in the finals against Australia after Collingwood and Strauss ended their lean spells. Before his century here Collingwood had made only 83 runs in the series, but he picked the right game to peak, and was mainly responsible for extending England's stay in Australia. Instead it was New Zealand who headed home, after they were unable to maintain the required pace despite Fleming's first one-day international century in three years. Following wayward opening spells from Plunkett and Mahmood, New Zealand had 81 after 13 overs, but when Vincent was dismissed the chase stuttered. Fulton used up 30 balls for 12, then Taylor was run out in a mix-up with Fleming, who himself was unable to accelerate shortly before or after his seventh one-day century, the first one to end in defeat. Vaughan's captaincy was excellent on his comeback from a hamstring strain. However, with the bat he was the early victim of a fine performance by Bond, being bowled by his first legal delivery. Bond also removed Bell, leaving England at 28 for two, but trouble was averted by Strauss, with his first half-century of the series, and Collingwood, who put on 103. Collingwood, dropped on 18, worked his favourite leg side to great effect, then broke off for a banana on 99 before completing his century, by far his best innings since the Adelaide Test. He finally became Bond's fourth wicket when he was bowled moving across his stumps, his attention diverted slightly when Dalrymple dropped his bat as the bowler entered his delivery stride. But he was still not finished: he managed ten very respectable overs as England gained the upper hand in the field.

Man of the Match: P. D. Collingwood. Attendance: 16,528.