England and Durham Veteran Paul Collingwood Bids Farewell to Cricket
Sep 13, 2018 at 4:46 PM
Former England and current Durham cricketer, Paul Collingwood has announced his retirement from cricket at the end of the 2018 season.
Collingwood says goodbye to Cricket
Meanwhile, Collingwood is Durham’s most illustrated player and their highest run-scorer ever. The 42-year-old club captain has announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket following Durham’s County Championship fixture against Middlesex at Emirates Riverside, which begins Monday, September 24.
Paul Collingwood has represented Durham for 23 years in their 26 years of professional cricket. Furthermore, he has amassed 16,844 runs in 304 first-class appearances and picked 164 wickets.
The all-rounder noted he decided after much deliberation. He also admitted it had been a tough call for him to take but a feels this is the right time.
“After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to announce my retirement from cricket at the end of the current season,” Paul Collingwood said.
“I knew this day would eventually come but it hasn’t made it any easier – although it’s an emotional decision, I know that the time is right and I’m comfortable knowing that I have given every last ounce of energy to the sport,” he added.
It was a privilege to play for Durham
Paul Collingwood says it was a pleasure for him to play for Durham for so many years. He also thanked everybody involved in Durham for being supportive all these years.
“It has been an honour to represent Durham County Cricket Club for the last 23 years and I would like to thank the staff, coaches, teammates, and members for their tremendous support and for making my career so enjoyable. I am excited about what the future holds for me and am looking forward to new challenges,” he adds.
Paul Collingwood played 68 Test matches for England, scoring 4,259 runs at an average of over 40.
The England all-rounder produced many outstanding performances, scoring a memorable double century during the 2006/07 Ashes series in Australia.
Paul Collingwood became the first England captain to deliver at a global tournament when England beat Australia to win the 2010 World Twenty20.