Collingwood to play for Scorchers in Big Bash

England all-rounder Paul Collingwood on Tuesday became the second international signing for Australian franchise Perth Scorchers for the Big Bash Twenty20 tournament. Collingwood, who skippered his country to the ICC World Twenty20 title in the West Indies last year, is known as a fierce competitor and a batsman with a wide range of shots. "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," said Perth Scorchers coach Mickey Arthur. "Paul is a gutsy and determined batsman who can lift the scoring rate with his attacking strokeplay. He is a proven wicket-taker with the ball and is first class in the field. "I am thrilled to welcome him as our second overseas signing." South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs became Perth's first international signing last week. Gibbs is one of the most experienced batsmen in T20 cricket, playing 23 international matches for South Africa and 113 domestic T20 games across four continents. The Big Bash T20 tournament runs from December 30 to February 5.