Collingwood to play for Perth in Big Bash

Discarded England batting all-rounder Paul Collingwood has signed with Perth Scorchers to play in Australia's revamped domestic Twenty20 competition, the Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA) said on Tuesday.

Collingwood, 35, the only England captain to hoist a major international trophy when he led the side to victory at the Twenty20 World Cup last year, was dumped from his country's limited-overs squads for the current series against Sri Lanka.

"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 head coach Mickey Arthur said on WACA's website (www.waca.com.au).

Collingwood's signing follows the Scorchers' recruitment of former South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs and Australia batsman Mike Hussey for the eight-team "Big Bash" tournament, Australia's answer to the Indian Premier League (IPL).

A host of other international players have signed up since the contracting period opened on Thursday, including hard-hitting West Indies batsman Chris Gayle, who will pad up for Sydney Thunder.

The tournament is due to start on December 16.