England cricketer Paul Collingwood calls time on playing career – and instantly linked with vacant Scotland post

Paul Colingwood has emerged as a leading candidate to become head Scotland coach after calling time on his playing career.

The ex-England all-rounder last night announced his retirement from all forms of the game after 23 seasons with Durham.

His decision comes just a week after New Zealander Grant Bradburn quit the Scotland job for a new role with Pakistan.

Collingwood has already had two successful spells with the Scots, assisting Bradburn as the national side won the 2014 World Cup qualifier and again at the tournament itself the following year.

A source close to the Scotland squad said: “Colly had a big influence on the team and was a popular figure around the dressing room. He had a really positive influence on the players.”

The 42-year-old, who skippered England to World T20 glory in 2010, earned his first international cap in 2003 and his last 14 years later.

He is due to be a member of England’s backroom coaching team this winter but it is thought he would jump at the chance to come north of the border as head coach.

Collingwood made his debut for his hometown county in 1996 and has gone on to feature in nearly 900 matches across all formats.

He will bring the curtain down in the club’s final County Championship fixture of the season against Middlesex later this month.

Collingwood is a three-time Ashes winner while his international career comprised of 68 Tests, 197 one-dayers and 36 T20s.