Collingwood tops points haul – a year too early

England's top international cricketer will receive a Most Valuable Player award for their efforts this year. If the points formula had been applied over the last year, Paul Collingwood would have been the winner of the Professional Cricketers' Association's gong.

The MVP collates cumulative points for every run scored, wicket taken and catch held. England one-day captain Collingwood was ranked No 1 in both 50-over and Twenty20 cricket and fourth in Tests.

James Hildreth gave the England selectors a reminder of his rich potential with a stylish century against Sussex on the opening day of the LV County Championship Division One match at Taunton.

The 23-year-old Somerset batsman hit an unbeaten 127 out of his side's 399 for three after Sussex skipper Chris Adams had opted to field.

Neil Edwards was run out by Adams from first slip for 99 after he had advanced down the wicket to Ollie Rayner.