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5 great players who haven't announced their retirement yet, but are out of contention

Not all cricketers are lucky enough to have a celebrated retirement. Many bow out quietly to lead sedate lives away from the public eye while others, despite their commendable contributions to the game, find themselves ignominiously axed from the national side.It is common knowledge that it takes inhuman passion and perseverance to be successful as a cricketer at the national level. Many cricketing greats continue to work hard and play domestic or league cricket to make it back to the national side; some of them believe that they still have it in them to play international cricket again, while others just want to be given an opportunity to go out on a high.Let us look at five modern cricketing greats who are out of contention but have not retired yet. 

#5 Paul Collingwood

Durham batsman Paul Collingwood celebrates after reaching his century on his 39th birthday in May 2015

Having retired from Test cricket and been out of contention for a while now, Paul Collingwood still remains optimistic about the chances of an unlikely return to the ODI team. Speaking at Durham's media day back in 2012, Collingwood said, "I'm very realistic. I'm still available in one-day internationals and Twenty20s – I haven't retired from them yet.”

I do realise it will take pretty much a miracle to get back into that side. I know England will be looking at the younger generation coming through but I'm going to keep it open because I find it a big motivation in trying to get back into the side. It's something that drives me on all the time and you just never know what can happen,” he added.

Collingwood, who once considered retirement after having been dropped from the national side, claims that he is now enjoying his stint as Durham captain. He has recently signed a one-year extension to remain at Durham for the 2016 season. 

"I've always said I want to carry on playing as long as I possibly can while I am still enjoying it and worthy of a place in the team," he said. "I feel I have still got a lot to offer and I'm going to do all I can to keep playing as long as possible. I want to keep this club going in the direction it has been for many years, making incredible strides in the competitive world of cricket."

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