Paul Collingwood retires from Test cricket

Paul Collingwood has announced his retirement from Test cricket.

The 34-year-old England batsman told his team-mates of his decision before start of play on the fourth morning of the final Test against Australia in Sydney.

With England on the verge of winning the Ashes outright in Australia for the first time in 24 years, Collingwood - who has been out of form in this series - has chosen a watershed moment to call time on his 68-Test career.

He was part of the team which won the Ashes in 2005 for the first time in 18 years - albeit featuring in only the last Test at The Oval - then lost 5-0 in Australia four years ago, but retained the urn in 2009.

Reflecting on his rewarding international career, he said: "Representing England at Test level has always been a dream of mine, and I've been fortunate enough to have enjoyed some amazing highs throughout my Test career. I'm proud of the fact that I've always given my all for the England Test team.

"But I feel that this is the right time to leave Test cricket, having reached some very special achievements - none more satisfying that retaining the Ashes in Australia."

England did that when they went 2-1 up with just one match remaining, thanks to an innings victory in Melbourne. Collingwood, who is unlikely to need to bat again, has a career average just above 40 and has made 4,259 runs - including 10 centuries.

He will continue as England's Twenty20 captain and as a member of the ODI squad.