Colly will face Spitfires

One-day skipper gets the go-ahead for semi-final showdown

Last updated: 3rd July 2008

Paul Collingwood

Collingwood: Set for semi-final clash

He wanted to play this game and try to keep that little bit of form he is developing moving forward.

Geoff Cook on Paul Collingwood
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Durham have revealed that England one-day captain Paul Collingwood will feature in their Friends Provident Trophy semi-final against Kent on Friday.

Collingwood had been expected to sit out the contest at the Riverside as he begins preparations for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

But after a tumultuous past month, the 32-year-old all-rounder has decided the challenge of trying to help his county into another Lord's final would best serve him ahead of a Test vital in his career.

Collingwood has returned to domestic cricket and, after hitting an unbeaten 44 to steer Durham to an eight-wicket win over Yorkshire in the LV County Championship, is now keen to get another game under his belt.

Stressful time

Durham coach Geoff Cook said: "The fact he scored a few runs in the second innings and started to play something like his old self, he really felt he wanted to play this game and try to keep that little bit of form he is developing moving forward.

"Paul has played international cricket for years and years, he has been through a benefit year, he is captain of England - it's a terrifically stressful time and I am sure people are sensitive to that.

"He had the controversies of last week with the run-out decision and he has had a lack of form to combat at the same time, so he has had lots going on in his life over the last couple of years.

"But the good thing is he is starting to see a little bit of light at the end of that tunnel and he is ready to take on South Africa.

"Hopefully, another part of that launching pad will be tomorrow's game against Kent."

Durham came of age last season by winning the FP Trophy, finishing runners-up in the Championship and also securing promotion in the Pro40.