Colly relishing reduced pressure

Paul Collingwood says he is looking forward to simply playing for England without the responsibility of captaincy.

The Durham all-rounder recently relinquished the skipper's role but is set to return to the side after serving a four-match ban imposed for a slow over-rate when skipper.

Kevin Pietersen has since taken over the reins and guided England to a 20-run win in the first of five one-day internationals against South Africa.

Collingwood insists he is now happy to concentrate on his own performance as the added responsibility had been taking its toll.

"I just found the captaincy was added responsibility which was very draining," he said. "The thing was it was taking the form away in Test cricket and that was the last thing I wanted it to do.

"I'm very much looking forward to it," he added. "It's great coming back into the ranks and concentrating on your own job.

"Hopefully I will be scoring big runs for England."