The Perth Scorchers have signed former England cricket captain Paul Collingwood for this summer’s revamped Twenty20 competition.
Collingwood,
who was dropped from England’s Twenty20 and one-day squads last month,
joins former South African international Herschelle Gibbs as the
Scorchers’ two imports.
The Scorchers also announced the signings of former NSW paceman Mark Cameron, Nathan Rimmington and wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi.
Collingwood
captained England to the Twenty20 World Cup title in the West Indies
last year and was also part of England’s recent Ashes triumph over
Australia.
But the 35-year-old has fallen out of favour in recent times and is desperate to regain his standing in international ranks.
“I
stated last week that overseas recruits need to bring outstanding
qualities, and Paul Collingwood is another who offers so much to our
set-up,” Scorchers’ coach Mickey Arthur said.
“Paul is a
brilliant leader of men who helped mould his country’s T20 side into an
exciting and ruthless combination, which culminated in their triumph
over Australia in the final of last year’s World T20 in Barbados.
“Being the first skipper to lead England to victory at an ICC men’s event was a massive feather in his cap.
“Paul
is a gutsy and determined batsman who can lift the scoring rate with
his attacking stroke play. He is a proven wicket-taker with the ball and
is first class in the field.
“I am thrilled to welcome him as our second overseas signing.”
