Good Old Collingwood

I read a wonderful article on Cricinfo by Andrew Miller about one of my all time favourite cricketers, who today announced his retirement from test cricket. It summed up Paul Collingwood, the man, and the cricketer, perfectly.

Colly amounted to more then he ever should have as a cricketer; but what I loved about him was that though he was not naturally gifted with the bat, he fought, and fought, and fought, for a test average of over 40. The working class cricketer if you will, the tradesman. I will always remember his massive scream of "YEAHHH!" as he lofted Michael Clarke over mid-on to bring up his double hundred in Adelaide, 2006, and his dogged, scrappy 74 on day five of the Cardiff test of '09, which helped England to a draw against all odds, and ultimately lead to England regaining the Ashes.

Probably even more valuable than his batting though, was his all-round contribution to England's game; whether it be his leadership, sportsmanship, bowling his more-than-handy "dibbly-dobblies", or throwing himself around in the field and taking screamers at third slip or in the gully.

Colly will probably never be talked about by commentators in the future, nor will he be recognised in any kind of test hall of fame or team of the century or anything like that. And somewhat fittingly, too, as that's the way it's been throughout his playing career. A quiet achiever, never vying for attention, and rarely receiving it. Just going about his business, giving his absolute all for his country. Good old Collingwood forever!