His timing was almost perfect. England got within three wickets of an innings defeat of Australia on the penultimate day of the fifth Test in Sydney, and will have to return Friday to wrap it up for a 3-1 series win.

It will be England's first Test series victory in Australia since 1987.

With all day to get three tail enders out, the 34-year-old Collingwood doesn't mind his Test career extending to another day.

“In many ways it's a sad moment but I honestly think it's the right time,” he said. “This is what I have been playing cricket for - it's to be in a position against Australia in Australia like this, and it's going to be the perfect moment to bow out of Test cricket.” Collingwood has scored 4,259 runs in 68 Test matches at an average of 40 since his debut against Sri Lanka in 2003, but has struggled in the current Ashes series and scored only 83 runs. He said it was time for him to move aside for a younger player in the Test arena, although he'll remain captain of England's Twenty20 team and will continue to play one-day internationals.

“I am happy with the contributions I've made to the England team in the Test format and there are a lot of youngsters coming through,” he said. “This team will progress without me and get better and better, so I am looking forward to tomorrow as my final farewell.” Collingwood has been involved in four Ashes campaigns, and won three of them - he received a civic honor for playing one Test in the 2005 Ashes series when England won the Ashes for the first time since 1987. His most successful Ashes series as an individual was in Australia four years ago, when he scored a career high 206 at Adelaide but England was swept 5-0.

England won back the Ashes in 2009 and ensured it retained the old urn by winning the fourth Test at Melbourne last week.

“To be involved with a great England team like it is at the moment with some special players and special characters, it's a very proud place to be,” he said.

Wicketkeeper Matt Prior praised Collingwood's contribution to the team, saying it was as much his behind-the-scenes influence with the team as his solid batting and fielding that has been integral in lifting the self belief and harmony in the England squad.

Collingwood, who guided England to the Twenty20 World Cup title last year, said the way the England squad had developed a culture of winning in recent seasons had been the highlight of his time in international cricket.

A lack of runs had hastened his decision to quit the longest form of the game.

“Obviously my form hasn't helped. I am very realistic and at the same time there are some great young players coming through, but if I wanted to progress and if I wanted to stay in the England team I was going to have to work very hard on technical things and whether I've got the time and the ability to stay up with this team I am not too sure.” England Cricket Board managing director Hugh Morris said Collingwood had been an outstanding contributor for England.

“His performances have been admired and recognized by his teammates and England supporters over many years and his tireless commitment in the Test match arena will be something he will always be remembered for,” Morris said.

Collingwood was out for 13 in England's first innings in Sydney and could yet bat again at the SCG, with the last Ashes Test due to finish Friday.

Collingwood has scored 10 centuries and also taken 17 wickets in Test cricket, including the vital wicket of Mike Hussey in this match. He has played 189 limited-overs internationals.