DURHAM all-rounder Paul Collingwood is aiming to go out on a high after announcing his retirement from Test cricket.

Collingwood, 34, made public his decision to call it a day ahead of today's play in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, with England looking to secure a series win in Australia for the first time in 24 years.

The Shotley Bridge ace, who has disappointed with the bat Down Under, will continue to play one day and 20/20 cricket.

Collingwood was the centre of attention as England captain Andrew Strauss gathered his men on the outfield. After a few words and some pats on the back he rejoined the rest of the England party in the pavilion.

Collingwood, who may yet need to bat one last time in England's second innings, has a career average of 40.25 and has made 4,259 runs.

He began his Test career against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2003.

He has also played in 189 one-day internationals for his country, is a former captain of that team and last year led England to their first International Cricket Council global trophy when they won the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean.

Collingwood, who has represented England at Test level on 68 occasions, will continue as Twenty20 captain and as a member of Englands ODI squad.

He said: "Representing England at Test level has always been a dream of mine and I've been fortunate enough to have enjoyed some amazing highs throughout my Test career.

"I'm proud of the fact that I've always given my all for the England Test team, but I feel that this is the right time to leave Test cricket having reached some very special achievements, none more satisfying that retaining the Ashes in Australia.

"I also feel now is the time to ensure some of the younger players are given an opportunity at Test level as we have a wealth of talent pushing for places in the England Test team.

"Clearly, I still feel I have a huge amount to offer England in terms of limited overs cricket and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to continue leading the Twenty20 squad and playing a significant role in England's ODI team."

Tributes were quick to follow Collingwood's decision.

Former England batsman David Gower said: "This will be his final Test match and no doubt the sentiments will have been 'let's finish on a high, let's go out there, let's win this game and give me something to remember."

Nasser Hussain, who captained England between 1999 and 2003, said the decision was not a surprise and was in the best interests of both the player and the team.

"Knowing the man like I do I knew he would do the right thing," he said. "Whether he was pushed or not, no one knows, but he will do the right thing. He has done the right thing, it is the right time to go and the right stage to go on. Hopefully, a series win in Australia at the SCG, what a time and place to go from Test cricket."

Hussain said "the public love a player like Paul Collingwood".

"He is a fighter, he really is, he is not someone that gives up," he said. "He is someone that makes the most of his ability. He felt that every time he went out to bat he was lucky to be out there with the ability he had. To average 40 in Test Match cricket, that is phenomenal."

Former England coach David Lloyd described Collingwood as "a yeoman, a stalwart" and "a grand lad" and lauded his decision to leave the side on his own terms.

Lloyd said: "He's still as fit as a fiddle, but he said he needed runs in this series and it hasn't happened.

"He'll continue to play one-day cricket, I'd assume, and lead the Twenty20 side as well. I think it's an outstanding decision.

"He's a yeoman, a stalwart and a grand lad."

Former England captain Michael Atherton joined Lloyd in praising Collingwood's contribution.

Atherton added: "The figures are the least of it with Paul Collingwood.

"It's the manner, the way he's gone about being an England cricketer...the professionalism, the commitment to fitness, to training and giving the best of himself every time hes gone out to the crease.

That's what his legacy will be."