Pitersen snubbed, Collignwood to lead in England-Windies Odi series

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London, Mar 19 (ANI): English selectors have snubbed Kevin Pietersen once again and named Paul Collingwood to lead the side for ODI series against West Indies in place of injured skipper Andrew Strauss.

The move has ended Pietersen's hopes of getting another chance to lead the side, even as a stand-in captain, The Sun reports.

Essex opener Alastair Cook has already been appointed Strauss' No.2 in Test cricket.

Pietersen, sacked as skipper in January, has said that he would like to lead England again.

Though it is not a major snub to Pietersen, the selectors believe it is too soon to return him to the helm following his incredible attempt to oust Peter Moores as head coach.

Strauss is recovering from his hamstring strain and expects to be fit for the first ODI here in Guyana tomorrow, But if he has to leave the field, Collingwood will deputise.

"Collingwood is not an official vice-captain, but he would lead if Andrew was not available. Colly is the right man if the instance occurs and we've made that decision in the past 24 hours," said national selector Geoff Miller.

"We have discussed the situation with everybody involved and they are all happy. No decision is made to try to create friction," he added. (ANI)