We need to be mentally tougher to beat India: Collingwood

Margao, Apr 2 (UNI) England middle order batsman Paul Collingwood today admitted that they need to be mentally stronger to be able to overcome India in the third one-day international beginning at the Nehru Stadium here tomorrow.

England trail India by 0-2 in the seven-match series.

Speaking to reporters after the practice session here today, Collingwood said that ''in the first two matches, there have been patches where we have been able to get on top of India. However, we have not been able to take it the whole distance. We have the skills to do so and it is just the question of implementing it, which I am sure we would be able to do so tomorrow.'' He said, ''The weather here has been terribly hot and humid and we have to take extra care while eating and take in a lot of fluids to stop us from getting dehydrated.'' ''We have played in such conditions before and I am sure the weather would not come in our way from giving us the first win of the series,'' he added.

Speaking about his own form, the all-rounder said he was not too bothered about it.

''I got runs in the Test as well as the second ODI and I am feeling pretty confident about my form.'' Playing down the issue of England coach Duncan Fletcher flying to South Africa in the middle of the tour, Collinwood said, ''Obviously, family comes first for anybody and Duncan needed to accompany his wife to South Africa. He is, however, expected to be back by tomorrow, so it was a question of just two days.'' ''We also have a very good set up with assistant coaches and the full support staff, also Freddie (Flintoff) has been a great leader, so it has not affected the team (by the departure of Fletcher) so much,'' he added.

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