LONDON: Durham captain Paul Collingwood has ditched plans to retire by signing a new one-year deal with his native county, it was announced Monday.
The 38-year-old former England all-rounder, who has recently coached Scotland and may have formed part of Ashley Giles's backroom staff had his old Test colleague become England coach.
But with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) opting for Peter Moores as Andy Flower's full-time successor and Paul Farbrace installed as assistant coach, Collingwood turned all his attention to playing for Durham.
With the north-east side trying to avoid relegation to the Second Division of the County Championship, Collingwood has scored 518 runs, while he has averages 68 and taken 21 wickets to help the county reach the quarter-finals of England's One-Day Cup.
"I had presumed this was going to be my last season but I'm really enjoying my cricket and feel as though I'm still contributing to the team," Collingwood said.
"You're a long time retired and I've still got ambitions to take this team forward.
"It really is a special group of guys to be involved with and I don't want to give that up too early.
"We've got a lot to play for in the back end of the season with the quarter-finals and trying to avoid relegation, which would be a huge achievement.
He added: "There is a bigger picture as well which is about having another year to continue to create a culture that will hopefully be around for another five to 10 years.
"I'm certain that the backbone of this side, with the youngsters coming through, will be strong for years to come."
Durham head coach Jon Lewis said: "Everyone at the club is delighted that Paul will be continuing his career.
"His contribution as a player, leader and character in the dressing room is difficult to measure."
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