England won't repeat last Ashes-winning blunder in South Africa: Collingwood

Johannesburg, Nov.8 : All-rounder Paul Collingwood says England won't repeat their post-Ashes blunders of 2005 when they take on the South Africans in their backyard.

Michael Vaughan's men went badly off the rails after beating the Aussies for the first time in 18 years.

On their travels they were thumped 2-0 in Pakistan, drew 1-1 in India before being humbled 5-0 when they travelled Down Under in 2006-07.

The slump was blamed on too many parties and not enough focus - but Colly insists skipper Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower are keeping their feet firmly on the ground.

'We need to learn our lessons from the past and from 2005 because we took a backwards step after winning the Ashes,' News of the World quoted Collingwood, as saying.

'Our confidence took a huge knock before we went to Australia. It's crucial we don't allow that to happen again. I don't think it will because these are completely different circumstances. We've got a young side who are extremely driven and that comes all the way from the top with Andy Flower and Andrew Strauss. We're looking a lot better off in terms of confidence and freshness,' he added.

England opened their tour to South Africa with a 185-run win over the Eagles in Bloemfontein on Friday.

--ANI