England all-rounder Paul Collingwood will retire from test cricket when the Ashes series finishes this week.
Collingwood told teammates on Wednesday and the England Cricket Board confirmed the decision on Thursday, on the fourth morning of the fifth Ashes test.
Collingwood has scored 4,259 runs in 68 test matches at an average of 40 since his debut against Sri Lanka in 2003, but has struggled in the current Ashes series and scored only 83 runs. England, meanwhile, has taken an unbeatable 2-1 series lead to retain the Ashes.
Collingwood will continue to play limited-overs cricket and is expected to play an integral role in England’s World Cup campaign starting next month. He is England’s Twenty20 captain.
“Representing England at test level has always been a dream of mine and I’ve been fortunate enough to have enjoyed some amazing highs throughout my test career,” Collingwood said.
“I’m proud of the fact that I’ve always given my all for the England test team but I feel that this is the right time to leave test cricket having reached some very special achievements, none more satisfying that retaining the Ashes in Australia.”
England won back the Ashes in 2009 and ensured it retained the old urn by winning the fourth test at Melbourne last week.
“We have a wealth of talent pushing for places in the England test team,” Collingwood said. “Clearly 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.”
ECB managing director Hugh Morris said Collingwood had been an outstanding contributor for England.
“His performances have been admired and recognised by his teammates and England supporters over many years and his tireless commitment in the test match arena will be something he will always be remembered for,” Morris said.
Collingwood was out for 13 in England’s first innings in Sydney and could yet bat again at the SCG, with the last Ashes test due to finish Friday.
Collingwood has scored 10 centuries and also taken 17 wickets in test cricket, including the vital wicket of Mike Hussey in this match. He has played 189 limited-overs internationals.
