Paul Collingwood hopes to force his way back into England squad

Paul Collingwood said he can still play a role for England both in ODIs and in the T20 format © AFP

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London: Dec 2, 2011

Former England one-day captain Paul Collingwood is hoping stints at domestic level in Australia and India can help him force his way back into his country’s limited overs set-up.

Collingwood, now 35, retired from Tests after the triumphant Ashes series last winter and has not played for his country since the World Cup in March.

However, he believes he can still play a role for England both in one day internationals and in the Twenty20 format.

England’s selectors have brought in a handful of promising younger players in recent months as they look to the future, but Collingwood aims to make his case with spells in the Big Bash – Australia’s domestic Twenty20 tournament – with Perth Scorchers, followed by the Indian Premier League, where he represents Delhi Daredevils.

“I still have the ambition to play one-day and T20 for my country,” Collingwood said.

“If I have a really good six months you never know what can happen. I’ll be out in Australia for six or seven weeks playing against some of the world’s best cricketers then playing in the IPL.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for me. Although I’m 35 it is a fresh challenge. I’m looking forward to playing in the Big Bash, it’s a big stage and that is where you want to be.”(AFP)