Paul Collingwood

Infobox cricketer biography
playername = Paul Collingwood
female =


country = England
fullname = Paul David Collingwood
nickname = Colly, Shep
living = true
dayofbirth = 26
monthofbirth = 5
yearofbirth = 1976
placeofbirth = Shotley Bridge, County Durham
countryofbirth = England
dayofdeath =
monthofdeath =
yearofdeath =
placeofdeath =
countryofdeath =
heightft = 5
heightinch = 11
heightm =
batting = Right-handed
bowling = Right-arm medium
role = All-rounder

international = true
testdebutdate = 2 December
testdebutyear = 2003
testdebutagainst = Sri Lanka
testc

lasttestdate = 7 August
lasttestyear = 2008
lasttestagainst = South Africa
odidebutdate = 7 June
odidebutyear = 2001
odidebutagainst = Pakistan
odic

lastodidate = 3 September
lastodiyear = 2008
lastodiagainst = South Africa
odishirt = 5 (prev. 50)

club1 = Durham
year1 = 1995–present
clubnumber1 = 5
deliveries = Balls
columns = 4
column1 = Tests
matches1 = 39
runs1 = 2,689
bat avg1 = 42.01
100s/50s1 = 6/11
top score1 = 206
deliveries1 = 1,287
wickets1 = 14
bowl avg1 = 49.07
fivefor1 = 0
tenfor1 = 0
best bowling1 = 3/23
catches/stumpings1 = 52/–
column2 = ODIs
matches2 = 149
runs2 = 3,689
bat avg2 = 35.13
100s/50s2 = 4/20
top score2 = 120*
deliveries2 = 3,854
wickets2 = 83
bowl avg2 = 38.72
fivefor2 = 1
tenfor2 = n/a
best bowling2 = 6/31
catches/stumpings2 = 86/–
column3 = FC
matches3 = 161
runs3 = 9,301
bat avg3 = 35.63
100s/50s3 = 20/45
top score3 = 206
deliveries3 = 9,071
wickets3 = 119
bowl avg3 = 38.52
fivefor3 = 1
tenfor3 = 0
best bowling3 = 5/52
catches/stumpings3 = 178/–
column4 = LA
matches4 = 317
runs4 = 8,063
bat avg4 = 33.18
100s/50s4 = 6/48
top score4 = 120*
deliveries4 = 8,360
wickets4 = 196
bowl avg4 = 34.43
fivefor4 = 1
tenfor4 = n/a
best bowling4 = 6/31
catches/stumpings4 = 163/–
date = 20 September
year = 2008
source = http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/2/2312/2312.html CricketArchive

Paul David Collingwood MBE (born 26 May 1976), is an English cricketer. He is a regular member of the England Test side and was captain of the One Day International team from 2007, resigning on Sunday 3 August 2008. [ [http://www.cricketworld.com/internationalcricketnews/england/article/?aid=16684 Michael Vaughan Stands Down As England Test Captain] , Cricket World, retrieved 3 August 2008] He is also vice-captain of his county, Durham County Cricket Club.Cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/england/content/current/player/10772.html |title=Paul Collingwood player profile |publisher=Cricinfo |accessdate=2007-02-15] Cite book |title=The Cricketers' Who's Who |publisher=Queen Anne Press |year=1997 |pages=p.122] Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/6225334.stm
title = Collingwood named one-day captain
accessdate = 2007-06-22
author = BBC Sport] Collingwood is an all-rounder, who combines natural strokeplay with reliable medium pace bowling. Described as a "natural athlete", he is also regarded as one of the finest fielders of his time.Cite web |url=http://www.cricketweb.net/country/player.php?Player=2&CategoryIDAuto=11&PlayerIDAuto=14 |title=Paul Collingwood player profile |publisher=Cricket Web |accessdate=2007-02-15]

His first class debut was in 1995, and he made his first appearance for England in One Day International cricket in 2001 and in Test cricket in 2003. A series of three consecutive match-winning performances by Collingwood at the end of the 2006–07 Commonwealth Bank Series in Australia brought him enthusiastic approval in the British media. His "allround " [sic] " display of incredible nerve and tenacity" helped to secure the trophy for England.Cite web |url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/280271.html|title=The journeyman arrives|author=Andrew Miller|publisher=Wisden Cricketer's Almanack|accessdate=2007-02-16]

Early and personal life

Collingwood was born and brought up in Shotley Bridge, County Durham by parents David and Janet,Cite web
url = http://archive.thenorthernecho.co.uk/2006/12/4/232735.html
title = Parents' pride at Test 200
publisher = The Northern Echo
date = 2006-12-04
accessdate = 2007-02-22] and was educated at Blackfyne Comprehensive School, now known as Consett Community Sports College. Introduced to cricket "on the playing fields of Blackfyne Comprehensive School", Paul was able to "force his way into Shotley Bridge's Under–13s team at the age of just nine".Cite web
url = http://www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/search/display.var.1066165.0.saturday_spotlight_collingwood_still_denied_star_status.php
title = Saturday Spotlight: Collingwood still denied star status
author = The Northern Echo
accessdate = 2007-02-21] [Cite web
url = http://www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/search/display.var.1200631.0.collingwood_has_namesakes_admirable_qualities.php
title = Collingwood has namesake's admirable qualities
author = The Northern Echo
date = 2007-02-17
accessdate = 2007-02-21] As a teenager, his father, who still remains a member of the Shotley Bridge Cricket Club, persuaded him to give up football and concentrate on cricket.Cite web
url = http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4159/is_20030914/ai_n12745242
title = Cricket: Dream ending for team Collingwood
author = Stephen Fay, Independent on Sunday
accessdate = 2007-02-23] Collingwood still makes regular visits to his old cricket club, "...he is a brilliant role model for the kids and his success is an aspiration to follow...". [Cite web
url = http://archive.thenorthernecho.co.uk/2005/9/13/205928.html
title = Work? Not while the cricket's on
publisher = The Northern Echo
date = 2005-09-13
accessdate = 2007-02-23]

He currently lives in Durham with wife Vicki and daughters Shannon (born in September 2006) [Cite web
url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2007/02/15/scbake15.xml
title = Collingwood: We can beat the best sides
author = Andrew Baker
date = 2007-02-15
accessdate = 2007-02-16] and Keira (born February 2008). [cite web
url = http://www.cricket365.com/story/0,18305,6575_3192779,00.html
title = Baby Keira Joins The Colly Family
accessdate = 2008-02-26
|date = 25 February 2008
publisher = Cricket365.com] Off the field, Collingwood writes a fortnightly column for BBC Online, in which he revealed that he likes to relax "by playing golf and going to the gym". [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/6151470.stm
title = Paul Collingwood column
author = Paul Collingwood, BBC Online
accessdate = 2007-02-23] In 2004 Collingwood, who has a handicap of "five or six", [BBC Sports Academy [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/cricket/features/newsid_4062000/4062031.stm "On the golf course with Jonesy!"] retrieved 1 July 2007] participated in a celebrity golf tournament, organised by Ian Botham to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. [Cite web
url = http://archive.thenorthernecho.co.uk/2004/10/9/36913.html
title = Botham leads golf challenge
date = 2004-10-09
accessdate = 2007-02-23
publisher = The Northern Echo] He is also a devoted fan of Sunderland AFC.His nicknames are "Colly", "Shep" (this being an apparent homage to the famous Blue Peter dog, Shep), and once on BBC's live text commentary, "Mackem Nugget". [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/6341721.stm
title = First one-day final as it happened
date = 2007-02-09
accessdate = 2007-06-18
publisher = BBC Online]

Domestic career

Paul Collingwood signed for Durham, his local county side, in 1995, playing first in List A one-day cricket.Cite web
url = http://cricketarchive.com/PCA/Players/2/2312/2312.html
title = Player archive – Paul Collingwood
author = Professional Cricketers' Association
accessdate = 2007-02-17] When he first came to Durham's attention, Collingwood was regarded "as a bowler who batted a bit". According to coach Geoff Cook's 2006 assessment it was Collingwood's determination, rather than his talent, that shone through.

Collingwood made his first–class debut against Northamptonshire in 1996, at Durham's Riverside Ground. He made an immediate impression by taking the wicket of former England all-rounder David Capel with his first ball, and scoring 91 in his first innings. [Cite web
url = http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/62/62076.html
publisher = Cricket Archive
title = Scorecard of Capel's first–ball dismissal and Collingwood's 91
accessdate = 2007-02-17] However, his early years as a first-class player were characterised by steady and relatively modest performances with bat and ball: in each season from 1996 to 2000, his batting average was between 20 and 30 and his bowling average was between 30 and 60.Cite web
url = http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/2/2312/f_Batting_by_Season.html
title = First–class Batting in Each Season by Paul Collingwood
author = Cricket Archive
accessdate = 2007-02-20] Cite web
url = http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/2/2312/f_Bowling_by_Season.html
title = First–class Bowling in Each Season by Paul Collingwood
author = Cricket Archive
accessdate = 2007-02-20]

His breakthrough began in 2000, when he was voted Player of the Year by the Durham members, particularly for his one-day efforts.Cite web
url = http://www.ecb.co.uk/england/series-tours/ashes-2006/teams/paul-collingwood,17,PP.html
title = ECB Stats – Paul Collingwood
accessdate = 2007-02-16
author = England and Wales Cricket Board] His form varied following a back injury, but he hit his stride in 2001, when he excelled both in the county championship and in the one-day game. In the six English seasons from 2001, Collingwood has exceeded a batting average of 40 four times and achieved a bowling average of less than 40 on three occasions.

Durham only achieved first-class status in 1992.Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/durham/content/story/261925.html
title = A brief history of Durham
accessdate = 2007-02-23
author = Collins, Cricinfo] In the 15 years since then, their best performances in the two league championships (the First-class County Championship and the List-A (One-Day) National League) both came in 2006 (finishing sixth and eighth respectively). Following in 2007 with the Friends Provident Trophy, beating Hampshire by 125 runs, Collingwood picking up 22 runs and bowling figures of 3/33. However, Collingwood's involvement was severely limited by his England commitments and he made no appearances at all in either competition. [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2006/ENG_LOCAL/STATS/ALL_FC-STATS/ENG_LOCAL_ALL_FC_AVS_DURHAM.html
title = 2006 First-Class Averages
accessdate = 2007-02-23
author = Cricinfo] [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2006/ENG_LOCAL/PRO40-1/STATS/ENG_LOCAL_PRO40-1_AVS_DURHAM.html
title = Pro40 League First Division, 2006 Averages
accessdate = 2007-02-23
author = Cricinfo]

This stood in marked contrast to the previous season, when Collingwood was available to Durham for four of the five Tests, before his England recall for the final Ashes Test; he "pushed his claims for a Test recall with three centuries in four innings in the Frizzell County Championship." In just 13 appearances in the County Championship in that 2005 season, Collingwood scored 1103 runs and took 21 wickets, averaging 55.15 and 31.90 respectively. [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005/ENG_LOCAL/STATS/ALL_FC-STATS/ENG_LOCAL_ALL_FC_AVS_DURHAM.html
title = 2005 First-Class Averages
accessdate = 2007-02-23
author = Cricinfo]

In the traditional reward for services to a county, Durham have awarded Collingwood a benefit year for 2007. [cite web
url = http://www.paulcollingwoodbenefit.com/
title = Paul Collingwood Benefit
accessdate = 2007-02-16] He has chosen to support two charities through his benefit, Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Cricket Foundation's "Chance to Shine" project, which encourages cricket coaching in state schools. [cite web
url = http://www.durhamccc.co.uk/index.asp?uid=381940659&sectionid=171&pageid=
title = Paul Collingwood Benefit 2007
accessdate = 2007-02-20
author = Durham County Cricket Club] In that same year, two days after achieving his fifth Test century at Riverside in an England victory, he joined Liam Plunkett in helping the county enter its first Friends Provident Trophy final, which they would also go on to win. [Cite web
url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/countycricket2007/content/current/story/307394.html
title = Durham secure first silverware
accessdate = 2007-08-27
author = Cricinfo]

International career

England debut

Collingwood's form for Durham in 2001 earned him a call-up to the England One Day International (ODI) squad, selected for the NatWest Series against Pakistan and Australia that summer,Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2001/OD_TOURNEYS/NWS/NWS_JUN2001_NWS-SQUADS.html
title = NatWest Series 2001 squads
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-17] becoming the 162nd to play for England in One Day International (ODI) cricket. [Cite web
url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/england/content/player/caps.html?country=1;class=2
title = Cricinfo – England – Players – Caps
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-20] He was not particularly successful on his ODI debut in June 2001, scoring only two runs and taking no wickets against Pakistan at Edgbaston, [Cite web
url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/england/engine/match/66274.html
title = NatWest Series – 1st Match, England v Pakistan
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-17] and doing poorly (20 runs in four innings and no wickets) in the rest of the series. [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2001/OD_TOURNEYS/NWS/NEWSWIRE/NWS9.pdf
title = The NatWest Series 2001
author = Press Association
accessdate = 2007-02-21] Despite this, the selectors showed confidence in him by choosing him for the 2001–02 one-day tour of Zimbabwe, where he took his first ODI wicket, that of Dion Ebrahim in the Third ODI at Harare Sports Club. [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2001-02/ENG_IN_ZIM/SCORECARDS/ENG_ZIM_ODI3_07OCT2001.html
title = England in Zimbabwe, 2001/02, 3rd One–Day International
accessdate = 2007-02-19
author = Cricinfo] He starred with the bat in the Fourth ODI at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, with a match-winning 77, [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2001-02/ENG_IN_ZIM/SCORECARDS/ENG_ZIM_ODI4_10OCT2001.html
title = England in Zimbabwe, 2001/02, 4th One–Day International
accessdate = 2007-02-19
author = Cricinfo] and made an unbeaten 56 in the final ODI, also in Bulawayo, [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2001–02/ENG_IN_ZIM/SCORECARDS/ENG_ZIM_ODI5_13OCT2001.html
title = England in Zimbabwe, 2001/02, 5th One-Day International
accessdate = 2007-02-19
author = Cricinfo] helping England secure a 5–0 whitewash. [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2001-02/ENG_IN_ZIM/
title = England secure one–day whitewash with Bulawayo win
accessdate = 2007-02-17
author = Cricinfo]

Collingwood played in all seven matches of the 2002 NatWest Series against India and Sri Lanka, ending on the losing side in the final to India. [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2002/OD_TOURNEYS/NWS/SCORECARDS/ENG_IND_NWS_ODI-FINAL_13JUL2002.html
title = NatWest Series, 2002, Final, England v India
accessdate = 2007-02-19
author = Cricinfo] Neither his batting nor bowling during this series were particularly impressive, averaging less than 24 with the bat and taking only five wickets in the series, [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2002/OD_TOURNEYS/NWS/STATS/NWS_JUN-JUL2002_ODI_AVS_ENG.html
title = NatWest Series, 2002 Averages, England
accessdate = 2007-02-19
author = Cricinfo] but he went on to make his first ODI century in the 2002/2003 VB Series victory against Sri Lanka at the WACA. [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2002-03/OD_TOURNEYS/VBS/SCORECARDS/ENG_SL_VBS_ODI4_20DEC2002.html
title = VB Series, 2002/03, 4th Match, England v Sri Lanka
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-19] While this performance cemented his position in the England one–day setup, he dislocated his right shoulder while fielding in a pre–season county friendly against Lancashire and was forced to miss most of the 2003 season. [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/ban_v_eng_2003/3171910.stm
title = Collingwood has time on his side
date = 2003-10-12
author = Martin Gough
publisher = BBC Sport
accessdate = 2007-02-17] Nevertheless, he was awarded a 12-month ECB contract when the winter touring squads were announced for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. With Nasser Hussain suffering from a bout of 'flu, [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/sri_v_eng_2003/3255212.stm
title = Giles deflates Sri Lanka
accessdate = 2007-02-19
date = 2003-12-02
author = BBC Sport] Collingwood made his Test debut against the Sri Lankans in the First Test at Galle in December 2003,citeweb
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/ENG_IN_RSA/STATS/ENG_IN_RSA_DEC2004-FEB2005_ODI_AVS.html
title = England in Sri Lanka Test Series – 1st Test
accessdate = 2007-02-16
author = Cricinfo] becoming the 622nd Englishman to play Test cricket. [Cite web
url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/england/content/player/caps.html?country=1;class=1
title = Cricinfo – England – Players – Caps
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-20] It was during this game that he established his position as one of the best English fielders, with five catches and a run-out in the drawn match. Since then his performances in the field have drawn comparisons with South African specialist fielder, Jonty Rhodes.

With the selection of pace bowler James Anderson for the Third Test, Collingwood was dropped. [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/sri_v_eng_2003/3326583.stm
title = England held in check
author = BBC Sport
accessdate = 2007-02-19] Although unable to establish a regular place in the 11–man team, his all–round ability and fielding strengths made him a regular on England's overseas Test tours as 12th Man. [Cite web
url = http://www.ecb.co.uk/england/natwest-challenge/all-rounder-ready-for-england-duty,2097,EN.html
title = Collingwood raring to go
accessdate = 2007-02-17
author = Andy McDermott
publisher = England and Wales Cricket Board]

He retained his place in England's one-day side throughout the summer of 2004 despite a knee injury, and scored an unbeaten 79 in the second match of the NatWest Challenge against India at The Oval, with England winning the series 2–1. [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004/OD_TOURNEYS/NWC/SCORECARDS/ENG_IND_NWC_ODI2_03SEP2004.html
title = NatWest Challenge, 2004, 2nd Match, England v India
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-17] Collingwood was also England's second highest run-scorer in the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy, scoring 141 runs at an average of 70.5, [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004/OD_TOURNEYS/ICCCT/STATS/ICCCT_SEP2004_ODI_AVS_ENG.html
title = ICC Champions Trophy, 2004 Averages, England
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-09] which included an unbeaten 80 in the opening game against Zimbabwe. [Cite web
url =http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004/OD_TOURNEYS/ICCCT/SCORECARDS/ENG_ZIM_ICCCT_ODI1_10SEP2004.html
title = Scorecard for England v Zimbabwe, 2004 ICC Champions Trophy
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-15] He played in all 11 ODIs against Zimbabwe and South Africa, [citeweb
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/ENG_IN_ZIM/STATS/ENG_IN_ZIM_NOV-DEC2004_ODI_AVS.html
title = England in Zimbabwe, 2004–05 One-Day Series Averages
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-16] [citeweb
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/ENG_IN_RSA/STATS/ENG_IN_RSA_DEC2004-FEB2005_ODI_AVS.html
title = England in South Africa, 2004–05 One-Day Series Averages
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-16] and was then named in the England Development Squad in May 2005, [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/208712.html
title = Tremlett and Swann named in 25-man squad
author = Cricinfo
date = 2005-05-05
accessdate = 2007-02-15] and the 14-man squad for the NatWest Series against Bangladesh and Australia and the NatWest International Twenty20 against Australia that summer. [Cite web
url = http://www.ecb.co.uk/news/media-releases/lewis-called-up-for-second-npower-test-and-odi-squad,4397,EN.html
title = Lewis named for Durham Test and in ODI squad
accessdate = 2007-02-16
author = England and Wales Cricket Board]

Ashes 2005

On 21 June 2005, playing for England against Bangladesh at Trent Bridge, Collingwood scored 112 not out from 86 balls and then took six wickets for 31 runs. [Cite web
url = http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005/OD_TOURNEYS/NWS/SCORECARDS/BDESH_ENG_NWS_ODI4_21JUN2005.html
title = NatWest Series, 2005, 4th Match, England v Bangladesh
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-17] These were the best–ever bowling figures by an Englishman in an ODI,Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/STATS/ODIS/BOWLING/ODI_BOWL_BEST_INNS_FIGS.html
title = ODI Career Best Innings Bowling
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-15] and made Collingwood the first player to score a century and take six wickets in an ODI.Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/STATS/ODIS/ALL-ROUNDERS/ODI_50-RUNS_5-W.html
title = ODIs – 50 Runs and 5 Wickets in Match
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-15] This performance surpassed the previous best all–round ODI performance, that of Viv Richards, who scored a hundred and took five wickets against New Zealand in Dunedin in the 1986/1987 season. [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/276838.html
title = When Collingwood bettered Sir Viv
author = Cricinfo
date = 2007-01-18
accessdate = 2007-02-15] Another highlight that was produced that same series was a stunning mid-air catch off the bowling of Steve Harmison to dismiss Matthew Hayden during the Natwest Series ODI at Bristol. [Cite web
url = http://usa.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005/OD_TOURNEYS/NWS/SCORECARDS/AUS_ENG_NWS_ODI3_19JUN2005.html
title = Australia in England, 2005, Natwest Series 3rd ODI Scorecard
author = Cricinfo
date = 2005-06-19
accessdate = 2007-03-31] This catch has subsequently been included by Canada's The Score television network as a part of their "Score 64" greatest-highlight contest. Pitted against Tiger Woods' chip at the Canadian Open in the first round, the catch squeezed out a slim victory. [Cite web
url = http://www.thescore.ca/score64/index.asp?pollID=40
title = Score 64: Tiger's Canadian Masterpiece vs. Paul Collingwood Catch
author = The Score
date = 2007-03-31
accessdate = 2007-03-31]

Collingwood also played in England's inaugural Twenty20 International match, held at the Rose Bowl, where a useful contribution of 49 and the wickets of Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie helped jump-start England on its pursuit of the Ashes, with 100-run defeat of Australia. [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005/AUS_IN_ENG/SCORECARDS/AUS_ENG_TWENTY-20-I_13JUN2005.html | title = Australia in England, 2005, Twenty20 International Scorecard
author = Cricinfo
accessdate =2007-02-15]

Collingwood was selected for the Test squad at the outset of the series but was not called into action until bowler Simon Jones was ruled out due to injury during the Fourth Test at Trent Bridge. [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/4221924.stm
title = England pegged back by Warne haul
date = 2005-09-08
accessdate = 2007-02-16
author = BBC Sport] Collingwood therefore played only the Fifth Test. Although he only scored 7 and 10 with the bat that match, his "blocking" alongside Kevin Pietersen in a 60-run sixth wicket stand on the final day helped England draw the match, and clinch the series to take the Ashes for the first time since 1987.Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/engvaus/content/story/218885.html
title = Pietersen ends England's long wait
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-15] In the 2006 New Year's Honours List, Collingwood was awarded the MBE, [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/4569600.stm
title = England stars thrilled by honours
author = BBC Sport
date = 2005-12-31
accessdate = 2007-02-15] together with other members of the England team, for his role in the successful Ashes victory. There was some critical comment that his limited role did not warrant the honour as he had played only in the Fifth Test and scored just 17 runs in 2 innings.

Success in Pakistan and India

Following the successful Ashes campaign in 2005, Collingwood was selected to tour with England to Pakistan and India in 2005–06. He played in the First Test in against Pakistan in Multan in 2005, but scored only 13 runs in his two innings and took no wickets. [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/ENG_IN_PAK/SCORECARDS/ENG_PAK_T1_12-16NOV2005.html
title = England in Pakistan, 2005–06, 1st Test
accessdate = 2007-02-19
author = Cricinfo] He was dropped for the Second Test as Michael Vaughan returned, [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/pakveng/content/story/226464.html
title = Vaughan returns for England's latest challenge
date = 2005-11-19
accessdate = 2007-02-19
author = Andrew Miller
publisher = Cricinfo] but came back into the team for the Third Test against Pakistan when the top–order was reshuffled after Andrew Strauss returned to England for the birth of his first child. [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/pakveng/content/story/227474.html
title = Vaughan replaces Strauss as opener
author = Andrew Miller
date = 2005-11-28
accessdate = 2007-02-19
publisher = Cricinfo] Despite Collingwood making his maiden Test 50 and following it with another in the second innings, [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/ENG_IN_PAK/SCORECARDS/ENG_PAK_T3_29NOV-03DEC2005.html
title = England in Pakistan, 2005–06, 3rd Test
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-19] England lost the match and consequently the three-match series 2–0. [Cite web
url = http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/ENG_IN_PAK/
title = England in Pakistan, 2005–2006
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-19] In the ODI series, he and Durham teammates Liam Plunkett and Steve Harmison accounted for the majority of the wickets taken by England, through a combination of their bowling and fielding. [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/ENG_IN_PAK/STATS/ENG_IN_PAK_OCT-DEC2005_ODI_AVS.html
title = England in Pakistan, 2005–06 One–Day Series Averages
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-19]

Following his performance in Pakistan, Collingwood was called into the England team for the First Test against India in March 2006 after injury and illness respectively to Vaughan and Marcus Trescothick. [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/indveng/content/story/238954.html
title = England's cupful of woes
author = Dileep Premachandran
date = 2006-02-28
accessdate = 2007-02-19
publisher = Cricinfo] Collingwood justified his position in the team with a magnificent 134 not out in the first innings on 2 March 2006, his first Test century. [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/indveng/content/current/story/239220.html
title = Jaffer and Dravid revive India's day
author = Cricinfo
date = 2006-03-02
accessdate = 2007-02-15] Collingwood thus became the first Durham player to make a Test century for England . [http://www.cricinfo.com/db/STATS/ENG/BATTING/TEST_BAT_ALL_INNS_100S_ENG.html Test Career Centuries] , from Cricinfo, retrieved 20 February 2007. From this list and the linked pages, it can be seen that no Durham player were among those to hit hundreds for England, or have done so at Riverside.] Following this innings, "The Times", which had been among the critics of Collingwood's MBE, ran the headline "MBE? Give this man a knighthood!" [citeweb
url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/sportdaq/news/news/2006/03/03/30041.shtml
title = Contrasting England teams
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2007-03-03
accessdate = 2007-02-16]

Sri Lanka and Pakistan in 2006

Collingwood kept his place for the first three Tests against Sri Lanka in the summer of 2006. [Cite web
url = http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2006/SL_IN_ENG/SQUADS/SL_IN_ENG_MAY-JUL2006_ENG-SQUAD.html
title = Sri Lanka in England 2006, England Squad
accessdate = 2007-02-19
author = Cricinfo] Uncharacteristically, he dropped two catches during the First Test at Lord's, [citeweb
url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/engvsl/content/current/story/247147.html
title = Jayawardene and light delay England
author = Andrew McGlashan
date = 2006-05-14
accessdate = 2007-02-16
publisher = Cricinfo] [citeweb
url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/engvsl/content/current/story/247254.html
title = Gloomy skies and a resolute tail defy England
author = Andrew McGlashan
publisher = Cricinfo
date = 2006-05-15
accessdate = 2007-02-16] but he scored an unbeaten half-century. [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/engvsl/engine/match/225264.html
title = Sri Lanka in England Test Series – 1st Test
accessdate = 2007-02-19
author = Cricinfo] He went on to make up for the dropped catches in the Second Test at Edgbaston, where he took five catches in two innings while playing his usual batting style as foil (with Andrew Flintoff) to Kevin Pietersen's 142 in the first innings. [citeweb
url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/engvsl/content/story/246911.html
title = Mahmood and Pietersen leave Sri Lanka in tatters
author = Andrew McGlashan
publisher = Cricinfo
date = 2006-05-12
accessdate = 2007-02-16] In the subsequent Twenty20 International match against Sri Lanka, he took 4–22, the best bowling record in Twenty20 Internationals, but still ended on the losing side.citeweb
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/5079904.stm
title = Sri Lanka snatch Twenty20 victory
date = 2006-06-15
author = BBC Sport
accessdate = 2007-02-16]

He then followed this up with an important innings in the First Test against Pakistan later that summer, scoring his second Test century. [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/engvpak/content/current/story/253255.html
title = Cook and Collingwood make Pakistan pay
author = Cricinfo
date = 2006-07-13
accessdate = 2007-02-15] On this occasion he was the dominant partner, batting for most of his innings with rookie Alastair Cook. When Cook departed, he continued with Ian Bell to complete his 150 before at last being removed by Danish Kaneria for 186. [citeweb
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/engvpak/engine/match/225255.html
title = Pakistan in England Test Series – 1st Test
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-16] This score proved to be England's highest of the series. [Cite web
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2006/PAK_IN_ENG/STATS/PAK_IN_ENG_JUL-SEP2006_TEST_BAT_HIGH_INNS_SCORES.html
title = Pakistan in England, 2006 Test Series Highest Individual Scores
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-15]

Collingwood took his first Test wicket on 6 August 2006, trapping Faisal Iqbal leg before wicket for a golden duck in the Third Test at Headingley. During this series he also bowled a couple of overs of off-spin, to the surprise of many, including the commentary team on Test Match Special. [citeweb
url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/engvpak/engine/match/225257.html
title = Pakistan in England Test Series – 3rd Test
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-16] Later that summer, he reached his 100th ODI cap and 50 ODI wickets in the same match by claiming the wickets of Inzamam ul-Haq and Abdul Razzaq during the Fifth ODI against Pakistan in Birmingham on 10 September. [citeweb
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/engvpak/content/current/story/259087.html
title = Collingwood reaches one–day milestone
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-16
date = 2006-09-09] [citeweb
url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/engvpak/engine/match/225249.html
title = NatWest Series (Pakistan in England) – 5th Match
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-16]

Ashes 2006/07

main|English cricket team in Australia in 2006-07Following a successful summer, Collingwood was selected later in 2006 for both the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy squad and Ashes touring party. [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/iccct2006/content/squad/256103.html
title = ICC Champions Trophy, 2006/07, England Squad
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-19] [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ausveng/content/squad/259319.html
title = England tour of Australia, 2006/07, England Test Squad
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-19] However, after two lacklustre defeats to India and Australia, [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/iccct2006/engine/match/249745.html
title = ICC Champions Trophy – 7th Match, Group A, India v England
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-19] [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/iccct2006/engine/match/249750.html
title = ICC Champions Trophy – 12th Match, Group A, Australia v England
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-19] critics such as Geoffrey Boycott and some fans began to question the coaching staff's placement of him in the batting order. [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/6078050.stm
title = Giles steps up to defend Fletcher
author = BBC Sport
accessdate = 2007-02-19]

The return of Andrew Flintoff following an injury would reignite the ongoing debate about which two of Cook, Bell and Collingwood should be included in the team, with many speculating that Collingwood would be the man to miss out.Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/6146688.stm
title = Trescothick to miss Ashes series
author = BBC Sport
accessdate = 2007-02-20] With the sudden departure of Marcus Trescothick from the tour just over a week before the First Test, the debate was settled for the time being.

The first ball of the First Test, at the Gabba in Brisbane, bowled wildly wide by Steve Harmison set the tone for the series. [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ausveng/content/story/269422.html
title = Wayward England miss their mark
author = Peter English
date = 2006-11-23
accessdate = 2007-02-21
publisher = Cricinfo] However, on the fourth day, England seemed to be batting toward a draw, when Collingwood, who had worked his way to a hard–earned 96 was stumped "...skipping miles down the pitch and trying to smack Warne over his head to reach a hundred". [citeweb
url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ausveng/engine/match/249222.html?view=wickets
title = 1st Test: Australia v England at Brisbane, 23 November–27, 2006
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-20] This was a pivotal moment: England went on to lose the next six wickets for 126 runs, and so lost the Test match. [citeweb
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ausveng/engine/current/match/249222.html?innings=4;type=wickets;view=commentary
title = 1st Test: Australia v England at Brisbane, 23 November–27, 2006
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-16] In the Second Test at Adelaide, Collingwood made a career-best 206 in England's first innings, sharing in a 310–run fourth–wicket stand with Pietersen; [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ausveng/engine/match/249223.html
title = The Ashes – 2nd Test, 2006/07 season
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-17] he became only the eighth English double centurion against Australia in Ashes history, [Cite web
url = http://www.cricinfo.com/db/STATS/BY_OPPONENT/AUS-ENG/AUS-ENG_ENG_100S.html
title = Australia v England: Test 100s for England
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-17] and the first in Australia since Wally Hammond achieved the feat in the 1930s.citeweb
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/6199480.stm
title = Record stand puts England on top
accessdate = 2007-02-17
date = 2006-12-02
publisher = BBC Sport
author = Martin Gough] In the second innings he added an unbeaten 22 from 119 balls, but England collapsed to 129 all out and so went 2–0 down. [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ausveng/engine/current/match/249223.html
title = The Ashes – 2nd Test Scorecard
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-15] Collingwood received both praise and criticism from commentators on the manner in which he batted with the tail-enders. [Cite web
url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/271220.html
title = Feeble England ruin series
author = Peter English
publisher = Cricinfo
date = 2006-12-05
accessdate = 2007-02-27] [Cite web
url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/271211.html
title = Warne and Hussey sink England
author = Andrew Miller
date = 2006-12-05
accessdate = 2007-02-27
publisher = Cricinfo]

England fared no better in the Third and Fourth Tests, losing them both, with Collingwood picking up only 60 with the bat in his four innings. [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ausveng/engine/match/249224.html
title = The Ashes - 3rd Test, 2006/07 season
accessdate = 2007-02-21
author = Cricinfo] [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ausveng/engine/match/249225.html
title = The Ashes - 4th Test, 2006/07 season
accessdate = 2007-02-21
author = Cricinfo] During the Fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January 2007, Australia's Shane Warne revived the controversy of Collingwood's MBE with clearly audible "sledging" at Collingwood's expense. [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/6230065.stm
title = England sledging spurs Warne on
date = 2007-01-04
accessdate = 2007-02-16
author = BBC Sport] Collingwood's performance during this test was mediocre, scoring 27 and 17 with the bat and not being called upon to bowl a single ball, while Warne scored a quick-fire 71 (including nine 4's and two 6's) as Australia won comfortably by ten wickets. [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ausveng/engine/match/249226.html
title = The Ashes - 5th Test, 2006/07 season
accessdate = 2007-02-22
publisher = Cricinfo]

Despite the series ending with a 5–0 whitewash by Australia, Collingwood finished the series ranked 14th in the LG ICC World Rankings for Test batsmen. [Cite web
url = http://www.lgiccrankings.com/test/batting/player-display.php?id=6350&graph=ranking
title = Paul Collingwood Batting Test Ranking Statistics
author = International Cricket Council
accessdate = 2007-02-16]

The Commonwealth Bank One-Day International series began on a low note for Collingwood, with a loss in the opening game against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. [citeweb
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/cbs/engine/match/249232.html
title = Commonwealth Bank Series – 1st Match, Australia v England
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-16] Despite the defeat being followed by a narrow win over New Zealand in Hobart, [citeweb
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/cbs/engine/match/249236.html
title = Commonwealth Bank Series – 3rd Match, England v New Zealand
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-16] the team and Collingwood went into a rapid decline, losing a string of four matches. [citeweb
url = http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2006-07/OD_TOURNEYS/CBS/
title = Commonwealth Bank Series 2007
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-16] He missed England's 92–run victory over Australia due to food poisoning, [citeweb
url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2007/02/02/uceng02.xml
title = Victory at last
date = 2007-02-02
author = Simon Briggs
publisher = The Daily Telegraph] but returned to make 106 and capture two wickets in the decisive 14–run victory over New Zealand in the final group stage match. [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ausveng/engine/match/249239.html
title = Commonwealth Bank Series - 12th Match - England v New Zealand scorecard
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-15] He then hit a century and scored the winning runs as England won the first of three finals in Melbourne, against Australia, [Citeweb
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/cbs/content/story/279645.html
title = Superb Collingwood seals amazing success
author = Peter English
publisher = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-17] becoming the eighth Englishman to hit centuries in consecutive ODIs. [Cite web
url = http://howstat.com.au/cricket/Statistics/Batting/BattingHundreds3_ODI.asp
title = ODI Consecutive Centuries - England
author = HowSTAT!
accessdate = 2007-02-21] His innings of 120 not out was the highest ever by an English ODI player against Australia in Australia. [Cite web
url = http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/STATS/ENG/BATTING/ODI_BAT_HIGH_INNS_SCORES_ENG.html
title = ODI Career Highest Individual Scores, England
author = Cricinfo
accessdate = 2007-02-15] In the second of the finals, he was Man of the Match for the third consecutive game, top–scoring for England with 70 and taking two wickets, as well another difficult catch off the bowling of Sajid Mahmood to once again dismiss Matthew Hayden. [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/cbs/engine/match/249241.html
title = Commonwealth Bank Series - 2nd Final, Australia v England
accessdate = 2007-02-16
author = Cricinfo]

World Cup 2007

Flush with confidence and in form from the tri-series victory, Collingwood and the English arrived in the Caribbean with high hopes. However, two unimpressive performances by the team during the warm-up matches against Bermuda [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/shared/fds/hi/statistics/cricket/scorecards/2007/3/14097/html/scorecard.stm
title = Cricket Scorecard - Other Match: Bermuda v England
accessdate = 2007-05-20
author = BBC] and Australia, [Cite web
url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/wc2007/engine/current/match/247454.html
title = World Cup 2007 Warm-up Matches: Australia v England - Scorecard
accessdate = 2007-05-20
author = Cricinfo] followed by defeat to New Zealand in the first Group match [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/6453853.stm
title = Styris condemns England to defeat
accessdate = 2007-05-20
author = BBC] dampened expectations. This was coupled with the removal of Andrew Flintoff from the vice-captaincy due to an incident of unruly behaviour, [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/6464251.stm
title = England v Canada
accessdate = 2007-05-20
author = BBC] which led to speculation that Collingwood would be in line for the captaincy should either Michael Vaughan or Andrew Strauss be unavailable. However, all such discussion came to nought as Vaughan remained in charge, despite the reprimanding of Flintoff.

The tournament was uneventful for Collingwood and the English, as he and the team were soon left by the wayside after qualification into the Super Eight round. Unimpressive victories over Ireland [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/6505737.stm
title = Unconvincing England beat Ireland
accessdate = 2007-05-20
author = BBC] followed by a nervy 37-run seventh wicket stand with Paul Nixon to victory over Bangladesh [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/6540593.stm
title = England toil to unimpressive win
accessdate = 2007-05-20
author = BBC] along with a close 2-run loss to Sri Lanka [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/6521215.stm
title = Sri Lanka snatch win over England
accessdate = 2007-05-20
author = BBC] and heavy losses to Australia [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/6534575.stm
title = Aussies win despite Pietersen ton
accessdate = 2007-05-20
author = BBC] and South Africa [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/6558291.stm
title = Dismal England knocked out of Cup
accessdate = 2007-05-20
author = BBC] meant elimination from the knockout stages, as Collingwood was only able to manage lower scores with limited successes with the white ball. He did, however, end up as the tournament's joint top fielder, grabbing eight catches along with Graeme Smith, and took what is arguably his most stunning catch, to dismiss Devon Smith off the bowling of Andrew Flintoff during the final Super Eight match versus the West Indies. [Cite web
url = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/wc2007/engine/current/match/247504.html?innings=1;type=wickets;view=commentary
title = West Indies v England, 2007 World Cup, 48th Match, Bridgetown, Barbados
accessdate = 2007-06-23
author = Cricinfo]

2007 season

Collingwood and the team opened their first home Test at Lord's with a dominant first innings against the West Indies, as Collingwood's score of 111 joined Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Matt Prior and Kevin Pietersen in becoming the first ever group of five Englishmen to score centuries at Lord's in the same match. [Cite web
url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/engvwi/engine/current/match/258459.html
title = England v West Indies, Wisden Trophy - 1st Test, Lord's, London
accessdate = 2007-05-20
author = Cricinfo] [ [http://www.lords.org/history/honours-boards/batting-england-test-hundreds-at-lords,83,AR.html Lord's Honours Board - Batting - England - Test hundreds at Lord's] , from Lord's Cricket Ground website, retrieved 20 May 2007. Note in this list that never before has five English batsmen have scored centuries in the same match.] This was followed up during the opposition innings with his second Test wicket, that of Dwayne Bravo. [Cite web
url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/engvwi/engine/current/match/258459.html
title = England v West Indies, Wisden Trophy - 1st Test, Lord's, London
accessdate = 2007-05-20
author = Cricinfo] He then added his second century of the series at Durham's home ground at Chester-le-Street during the fourth Test, hitting 128 from 188 balls as part of a 169-run seventh-wicket stand with Prior before being bowled by Corey Collymore. [Cite web
url = http://www.sportinglife.com/cricket/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=cricket/07/06/18/CRICKET_England.html
title = Dogged England take upper hand
accessdate = 2007-06-20
author = Myles Hodgson, Sporting Life] Following his good form in the Test series, Collingwood was named as captain of the England team for the two Twenty20 Internationals and three One-Day International games against the West Indies, [Cite web
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/6225334.stm
title = Collingwood named one-day captain
accessdate = 2007-06-22
author = BBC Sport] following previous captain Michael Vaughan's resignation of the position of captain in the format four days before. Of the Twenty20s, England lost the first but won the second to draw Collingwood's first Twenty20 International series as a captain. While only contributing 27 from 24 balls in the second match, [BBC News [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/6252314.stm "England v West Indies 2nd Twenty20"] retrieved 29 June 2007] Collingwood outshone the other English batsmen with his individual effort during the first, hitting 79 runs from just 41 deliveries. [BBC News [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/6246458.stm "England v West Indies 1st Twenty20"] retrieved 29 June 2007] The England team continued into the 50-over ODI matches, winning the first by a comfortable 79 under Collingwood's captaincy, though the man himself hit only 5 runs. [BBC News [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/6256772.stm "England ease to win over Windies"] retrieved 1 July 2007] He went on to captain the one-day side against India, where they won the 1st ODI but lost an entertaining 2nd ODI at Bristol by 9 runs. After the 2nd ODI Collingwood was fined half of his match fee for a slow over rate. England eventually won the closely-fought series 4-3.

Collingwood was fined £1000 during the 2007 Twenty20 World Championship when he visited a lap-dancing club prior to England's match with New Zealand. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/7001070.stm "Collingwood fined over strip club"] BBC News retrieved 18 September 2007] Collingwood led the team to victory over Zimbabwe in the group stages of the tournament, but England, under his leadership, were later defeated by Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India to go out of the competition before the final stages. During England's subsequent tour of Sri Lanka Collingwood led the team to victory in the ODI Series. In the later Test series, he became the 709th Test wicket of Muttiah Muralitharan, who thus overtook Shane Warne as the highest Test wicket taker.

2008

Collingwood enjoyed a successful Test series away in New Zealand in early 2008, scoring 244 runs from three matches at 40.66, passing 50 three times. [ [http://stats.cricinfo.com/statsguru/engine/player/10772.html?class=1;template=results;type=batting;view=series PD Collingwood. Test matches - Batting analysis - Series Averages] from CricInfo retrieved 25 June 2008] His ODI game also enjoyed success, 151 runs at 50.33 with two half-centuries from his four ODI matches. [ [http://stats.cricinfo.com/statsguru/engine/player/10772.html?class=2;template=results;type=batting;view=series PD Collingwood. ODI - Batting analysis - Series Averages] from CricInfo retrieved 25 June 2008] Collingwood had a less successful home series, however, scoring only 32 runs in three matches, 24 of these in one innings, ending the series with an average of 10.66. [ [http://stats.cricinfo.com/statsguru/engine/player/10772.html?class=1;template=results;type=batting;view=series PD Collingwood. Test matches - Batting analysis - Series Averages] from CricInfo retrieved 25 June 2008] His home ODI series was one of great controversy. While playing in the fourth match, he appealed a controversial run out of Grant Elliott after Elliott had collided with Ryan Sidebottom and injured himself. While this action drew criticism from the New Zealand dressing room, there was another separate incident in this match (relating to an inadequate England Over Rate), for which the ICC banned Collingwood for four limited-overs internationals. This was for a second offence in twelve months relating to England (with Collingwood as captain) completing their overs outside of the time limit. Pietersen was called upon to take over as captain. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/7476025.stm "Pietersen named stand in captain"] from BBC News retrieved 26 June 2008]

Collingwood's poor form continued into the first Test of South Africa's tour of England in July 2008, as he scored only seven runs in his first innings at Lord's, [http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/tms/2008/07/spare_a_thought_for_collingwoo.shtml Spare a thought for Collingwood] BBC Sport, 2008-07-11.] although replays suggested that the ball had not hit his bat, only his pad. [ [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1034452/Wicket-keeper-Ambrose-left-fearing-just-drop-chop.html Wicket keeper Ambrose left fearing he is just one drop from the chop] Mail Online, 2008-07-11.] He was left out of the side for the following Test at Headingley, making way for Andrew Flintoff, [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/7506806.stm England v South Africa 2nd Test] BBC Sport, retrieved on 2008-07-19] but was recalled for the third Test at Edgbaston, scoring a century and giving England a chance of beating South Africa and levelling the series.

Half an hour after Michael Vaughan resigned from the Test captaincy, Collingwood relinquished charge of the ODI squad because it was affecting his ability to enjoy the game. Collingwood told his wife on the night before his century against South Africa that it was time to go. He said, "I've found the extra workload to be very difficult...It's mentally tiring and that's the top and bottom of it. I want to have a smile on my face when I'm playing cricket and if I'd have kept going I'm not sure that would have been the case." [" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/7539673.stm Collingwood explains resignation] ", 2008-08-03, BBC Sport. Retrieved on 2008-08-08.]

Achievements

Test matches

Records:
* 1,000+ Test runs in a calendar year in 2006. [citeweb
url = http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/2/2312/2312.html
title = Season-by-season stats
accessdate = 2007-02-17]
* England fourth wicket partnership record against Australia - 206 in a partnership of 310 with Kevin Pietersen in 2006. [citeweb
url = http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/98/98967.html
title = Partnership with Pietersen
accessdate = 2007-02-17]
* Double century against Australia in 2007 - only the third English batsman to score a double century in Australia, and the first since Wally Hammond in 1936.
* First Durham player to score a Test century for England, and first to hit one at Riverside Ground.

Test Centuries:

Career performance:

Wisden Cricketer of the Year

He was chosen as one of the five Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2007, alongside England teammate Monty Panesar. ["Wisden Cricketers' Almanack", 2007 Edition, ISBN 978-1905625024.] In their rationale, Wisden describes him as having become the embodiment of "the sort of cricketer who not only made the most of his ability but was also determined to keep getting better."

References

External links

*cricinfo|ref=england/content/player/10772.html
* [http://www.howstat.com/cricket/Statistics/Players/PlayerOverview_ODI.asp?PlayerID=2973 HowSTAT! ODI Stats] , [http://www.howstat.com/cricket/Statistics/Players/PlayerOverview.asp?PlayerID=2973 Test Stats] , [http://www.howstat.com/cricket/Statistics/WorldCup/PlayerOverview.asp?PlayerID=2973 World Cup Stats]

Persondata
NAME=Paul Collingwood
ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Colly
SHORT DESCRIPTION=English cricketer
DATE OF BIRTH= 26 May 1976
PLACE OF BIRTH= Shotley Bridge, Durham
DATE OF DEATH=
PLACE OF DEATH=