Dhaka, Feb 22(ANI): England batsman Paul Collingwood has been handed over the responsibility of being the vice-captain to Alastair Cook for both the three-game ODI series and the two-Test series against Bangladesh. Collingwood agreed to take the role on a short-term basis after a short discussion with coach Andy Flower.He also said that, having previously resigned as the one-day captain, the role was “not something I am looking at”. “The last time Colly captained one-dayers, it took a lot out of him, and he doesn’t want to put his name forward in a medium to long-term capacity. He knows this is a stopgap measure,” The Times quoted Flower, as saying. Flower further said that Kevin Pietersen, who resigned as Test captain in January last year, was also considered, but Collingwood was preferred.

“We considered all the options of possible leadership candidates, and KP was one of them. He was up for consideration like everyone else, but in the end it was a simple cricketing decision,” Flower said.

“Both his innings at the weekend were superb - it’s great to see him hitting the ball so cleanly again and looking more balanced and confident at the crease,” he added.

Collingwood is an experienced figure to have as Cook’s deputy. He has also been in impressive form through England’s recent overseas trips, beginning with the Champions Trophy and continuing on the tour of South Africa, which concluded last month. (ANI)