England batsman Paul Collingwood will retire from five-day cricket after the ongoing fifth and final Ashes Test but will continue playing in Twenty20 and 50-over format.
The 34-year-old Collingwood has scored just 83 runs this series and would be retiring with his head held high as England are just three wickets way from their Ashes win in Australia.
“Playing cricket for England has been a dream of mine and I’ve been fortunate enough to have enjoyed some amazing highs. I’m proud I’ve always given my all for England but feel this is the right time to leave Test cricket. Retaining the Ashes this winter has been a very special and satisfying achievement.
“It’s the right time for some younger players to be given an opportunity at Test level as we have a wealth of talent pushing for places. I feel I still have a huge amount to offer England in limited-overs cricket,” Collingwood was quoted as saying in the Australian media.
Collingwood informed his team-mates about his decision during a huddle before the start of play on day four – and was greeted with handshakes and hugs.
He made his Test debut in 2003 and went on to play in 67 matches, scoring 4,246 runs with his highest being 206 against Australia in Adelaide four years back. He also led England to their only world title in the World Twenty20 in the West Indies last year. Collingwood also played in 189 ODI and scored 4,978 in a career spanning over 10 years.
Collingwood feels he has a lot to offer as captain of the Twenty20 team.
“I still feel I have a huge amount to offer England in terms of limited overs cricket and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue leading the Twenty20 squad and playing a significant role in England’s ODI team,” he said.
Hugh Morris, the managing director of England cricket, paid rich tributes to the cricketer, saying Collingwood has made an outstanding contribution to the England Test team.
“I’m delighted that Paul will be available to continue to make important contributions to our ODI and Twenty20 teams,” he said.
