England go-slow adds to Collingwood's woe

Alternatively, Collingwood could be out of the start of next month's Test series, and his hold on a place in that form of the game is already tenuous.

Over rates have long been a problem for England, even though lenient umpires and referees often let them off the hook. Last night, though, when almost everyone else was talking about a dramatic last-ball finish and Collingwood's refusal to withdraw a run-out appeal against Grant Elliott, the match officials decided to act.

In fact, Graeme Swann's decision to go for glory probably saved Collingwood from landing himself in double trouble because a one-wicket win went a long way towards soothing New Zealand's anger about the Elliott incident.

Unlike Collingwood's decision, Swann's attempt to throw down the stumps and win the game for England really was a split-second reaction.

Swann had no time to put his thinking cap on, hurled at the stumps from short cover as Mark Gillespie lumbered down the pitch and not only missed the target but also managed to thread the ball between four fielders to concede the extra run that handed the visitors victory.

Given another chance, Swann would surely steady himself and lob the ball towards the stumps so that, at the very worst, England could achieve a tie.

But if he had secured a win for the home side then it is a fair bet New Zealand would not have been nearly so willing to accept either Collingwood's explanation or his apology, leaving Saturday's series-deciding match to be played out in a poisonous atmosphere.

Elliott, who had helped New Zealand to get within 26 runs of their victory target of 246, was on the ground, receiving treatment, for a couple of minutes after colliding with bowler Ryan Sidebottom while going for a 44th-over single.

Sidebottom said he was going for the ball. But, in doing so, he veered into the batsman's path, leaving Elliott unable to avoid a nasty collision.

Umpire Mark Benson had no option but to give Elliott out once Ian Bell and Pietersen completed the run-out. But England could have withdrawn their appeal and Collingwood had longer than a split second to consider the matter.

"In hindsight, I wished I had called him back," he said.