• England news

Collingwood still harbours England dream

ESPN staff
November 15, 2011
Paul Collingwood is hoping to force his way back into Andy Flower's plans © PA Photos
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Paul Collingwood has warned England's emerging crop of youngsters their places in the shortened formats of the game are not safe, the allrounder insisting his ambition to play for his country still burns.

After announcing his retirement from the Test arena in January, Collingwood, 35, was relieved of the T20 captaincy in May - a decision which he said hit him "like a juggernaut".

Collingwood has not featured for his country since the World Cup in March - where he was dropped ahead of Andy Flower's side's quarter-final exit - with England opting to leave the man who led them to World Twenty20 glory last year out of their summer limited-overs programme.

However, with three years to run on his Durham contract and the fact he plays in the IPL and Big Bash T20 leagues, Collingwood feels he will have enough chances to prove he still has what it takes to play at the highest level.

"From my point of view I've got three years with Durham and I've got these opportunities now of going overseas to play in the Big Bash and the IPL, very big stages," he said.

"I've still got the motivation to try and get back in the England one-day and T20 sides. Hopefully the performances I put in over the winter will get me a bit closer to that.

"England have moved on in the right direction - it's as simple as that. In the one-day form of the game they are rebuilding towards the next World Cup and if I can play any part in that process I would love to do that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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