It was a family affair for Paul Collingwood when he received his honorary degree from Northumbria University today (Monday July 15).
The cricketing legend brought his family along to share the moment – and perhaps inspire their career choices.
Paul Collingwood said: “It’s a proud day to receive this honour, particularly with my family in attendance. I would also like to thank the University for nominating me. There are lots of inspiring people in this part of the world, so to be chosen is extremely flattering.”
Collingwood’s own cricketing career began at nine, when he was selected to play for his local Under 13 team. Just ten years later he had been signed for Durham County Cricket Club and by 2000 his fellow players had voted him Player of the Year.
A year later he made his England debut in a One Day International, closely followed by his test match debut against Sri Lanka. He went on to become England’s most capped One Day International cricketer and leading run scorer.
He is the first England captain to deliver a global victory when England beat Australia to win the 2010 World Twenty20 tournament.
Collingwood holds the distinction of being a three times Ashes winner, enjoying the satisfying achievement of retaining the Ashes in Australia. He was awarded an MBE for his role in the 2005 Ashes victory, the first in almost 20 years.
In the 2007 Ashes tour in Australia he became the first English batsman to score a double century in Australia for 78 years.
Although he retired from Test cricket during the 2011 Ashes series, he continues to captain Durham.
Paul Collingwood is an ever popular and inspirational figure far beyond his native Durham. Cricketing bible Wisden recognised not only his talent but his commitment when they named him Cricketer of the Year, saying he was “the embodiment of the sort of cricketer who not only made the most of his ability, but was also determined to keep getting better.”