Collingwood backs Anderson

England captain Paul Collingwood has voiced his surprise at the size of the fine handed out to James Anderson after an incident in the 2nd ODI against the West Indies which saw him lose half his match fee.

Anderson was seen shouldering West Indies batsman Runako Morton twice during the match at Edgbaston and was subsequently found guilty of breaching the ICC players code of conduct.

However the newly appointed captain has said he was surprised at the size of the fine and has given his full support to the heightened aggression in the English one-day side.

“I probably didn’t expect him to get fined as much he did. As players, we all know the boundaries we can go up to. Generally, a lot of that stuff happens out in the middle and it is cricket but on this occasion it just went over the mark,” he said before the third and final ODI at Trent Bridge.

“That was one incident. We’ve had great relations with the West Indies during the Test series and so far in the one-day series. But I’m not sure (Anderson) will be doing it again. Whether that’s because he’ll get fined again or because he’s heard about Morton’s past, I’m not too sure. You’ll have to ask him.”

England take on West Indies for the series decider today at Trent Bridge.