Colly quits for coaching role

THE only man to lead England to a global cricket trophy will call time on his playing career this month and switch his attention to guiding the national side to another one. Paul Collingwood, captain for the 2010 World Twenty20 success, has confirmed Durham’s match against Middlesex starting on September 24 will be the last of a career that has spanned 24 seasons. The 42-year-old is expected to be a member of the England coaching staff for the tour of Sri Lanka and subsequent trip to the West Indies. Collingwood said of his retirement: ‘I knew this day would come but it hasn’t made it any easier. It’s an emotional decision, but the time is right.’ The all-rounder, who won 301 England caps across all formats, has an influential supporter in England cricket director Andrew Strauss, who wants to keep Collingwood involved.