Paul Collingwood set to rejoin Cricket Scotland

Paul Collingwood is set to return to the Scotland coaching fold ahead of the Cricket World Cup. Picture: Donald MacLeod

Collingwood, 39, took up the role of joint interim Head Coach and along with Craig Wright, helped guide Scotland to victory in the 2014 ICC Cricket World Cup qualifiers in January and February.

The all-rounder has also had spells coaching England’s T20 team, and helped Durham to victory in the Royal London One Day Cup along with Scotland batsman Calum MacLeod.

CONNECT WITH THE SCOTSMAN

• Subscribe to our daily newsletter (requires registration) and get the latest news, sport and business headlines delivered to your inbox every morning

• You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google +

Collingwood, England’s most-capped ODI player, was also part of the Scotland coaching set-up during the 2014 World Twenty20 Qualifier in the United Arab Emirates in November last year.

The Cricket World Cup kicks off on February 14 2015, with Scotland set to play their six group matches in New Zealand and Tasmania.

The first match is against New Zealand in Dunedin on February 17, followed by a clash against England in Christchurch on February 23.

Scotland’s preparations are well underway, with the side having recently completed an acclimatisation tour of Australia and New Zealand.

The squad will also travel to Dubai for a nine-day batting camp on November 9.

Scotland team manager Grant Bradburn said Collingwood would bring a ‘calmness and confidence’ to the side, adding: “Paul is very familiar with all of our players having been a support coach with Scotland during the World Cup qualifiers in February.

“The World Cup will be a massive stage for our players to step out onto and release their vast natural skills.

“Having the experience of Paul in our corner will be a huge asset for all of us during this event.”

Collingwood added: “It’s a great pleasure for me to be back on the coaching team with the Scotland squad for the 2015 World Cup.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with them to help get the team fully prepared for these incredibly important matches.”

Keith Oliver, chairman of Cricket Scotland said he was ‘thrilled’ to have Collingwood on board, adding: “Paul brings with him a vast amount of experience. There is no doubt that the Scotland team will benefit immensely from his expertise and positive attitude in this all-important global competition.”

SCOTSMAN TABLET AND IPHONE APPS

• Download your free 30-day trial for our iPad, Android Android and Kindle apps

• Keep up to date with all aspects of Scottish life with The Scotsman iPhone app, completely free to download and use