Colly calls time on Tests

Paul Collingwood has announced that he will retire from Test match cricket at the end of the ongoing fifth Ashes Test in Sydney.

The 34-year-old informed his England team-mates of the decision on the morning of the fourth day of the contest at the SCG.

Collingwood will call time on his Test career after 68 matches, during which he has scored 4,259 runs at an average of over 40 with the possibility of one more innings still to come.

The Durham batsman, who has struggled for form in recent Tests, will continue to play one-day and Twenty20 cricket for England.

Collingwood said:"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.

"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.

"I also feel now is the time to ensure some of the younger players are given an opportunity at Test level as we have a wealth of talent pushing for places in the England Test team.

"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."

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