5 memorable moments from Paul Collingwood's career

Durham captain Paul Collingwood will retire from all cricket at the end of the season after a 22-year professional career.

The former England all-rounder enjoyed a hugely successful decade in international cricket, and was also a key part of Durham's emergence as a major side in English domestic cricket.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at five memorable moments from Collingwood's career.

World Cup winner

Collingwood remains the only World Cup-winning men's captain in the history of English cricket, having led the side to victory in the World T20 in 2010. He did not have much success with bat or ball himself over the seven matches in the Caribbean, scoring just 61 runs and bowling one unsuccessful over, but oversaw a turnaround in fortunes and an attacking brand of cricket despite an opening defeat by West Indies to end up convincing winners – hammering Australia in the final.

Dominant Down Under

Though not the most naturally gifted batsman to play for England, Collingwood became renowned for relishing a challenge out in the middle and produced arguably his finest knock in the three lions in Adelaide on the Ashes tour of 2006-7. It was there that he hit 206 – becoming the first English double centurion in Australia for 78 years – and shared a mammoth 310 with Kevin Pietersen for the fourth wicket. The innings could not prevent an embarrassing defeat or a 5-0 series whitewash, but helped firmly establish Collingwood as a key member of the middle order that went on to become the best in the world.

Brigadier Block

Despite carving himself out a reputation as one of England's finest white-ball players over the years, some of Collingwood's best moments came with his back against the wall, stubbornly refusing to be shifted from the crease. On the occasions England were up against it and facing defeat in a Test match, Collingwood would grimly hang around to frustrate the opposition and more often than not, succeed. The most memorable of these came in Cardiff in the 2009 Ashes series, when he faced 254 balls for just 74 in six hours at the crease to rescue England and claim what proved to be a crucial draw in the opening Test, and earn himself the nickname 'Brigadier Block' for his stout defence.

County champion

Born and raised in Shotley Bridge, Collingwood – a keen Sunderland supporter – is a proud Durham man and has been a regular for the county since his international retirement in 2011. There have been hard times recently in the north east – particularly following their relegation from the top flight in 2016 – but Collingwood enjoyed success in 2013 when guiding his side to the Division One title. He was part of the squads that won back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009, but England commitments meant he did not play as much as he did in 2013. He led the club to one-day success the following year and will go down as one of the most significant and important players in their history.

All-round package

For the majority of his career, Collingwood was recognised as a batsman capable of chipping in with a few overs. Arguably his strongest suit however, was his fielding. He is certain to go down as one of the best fielders of his generation, starring at backward point in one-day cricket and in the slips with the red ball. Perhaps his most memorable moment came in a one-day international against Australia at Bristol in 2005 when he clung on one handed, well above his head, to a scything cut shot from Matthew Hayden – one of 209 catches in international cricket.

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