Iain O'Brien plans to head back to Wellington this summer and has discussed a return to first-class cricket with coach Anthony Stuart.
The 22-test New Zealand medium-fast bowler's career hit a road block at Middlesex, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) refusing to class him as a local player despite his being married to an English woman.
A clause in his contract stated Middlesex would retain him only if he was reclassified as a domestic player, having signed Australian Chris Rogers as their import.
O'Brien, 34, has hired lawyers to fight his case with the ECB, but in frustration said he planned to return to Wellington this summer and be available for cricket at all levels.
"It's something I'm certainly looking forward to as I haven't played for a while. Hopefully, I can get back in the shop window and then prove to counties over here that I am fit and that I've still got it," he said on radio.
That's terrific news. Although O'Brien is getting on in years, he has a huge heart, and is one of those players who never stops trying. He is exactly what the Black Caps need at the moment.
Clearly, he won't be considered for the tour to India when the team gets named tomorrow, but if he can show some form in domestic first-class cricket in November and december, he sould be one of the first names written down to play when Pakistan tours here after Christmas.
O'Brien's departure after the Pakistan tests last season left a gaping hole in New Zealand's seam attack. He should be welcomed back with open arms.
1 comment:
inV2 - In my 50 plus years of following NZ cricket the bowlers have generally done the job asked of them. Even when pasted they have come back and given their guts.
Unfortunately O'Briens return is not going to help the batting as he is pretty much in the Chatfield and Morrison mould and only slightly better than Martin. It is the top 6 we have problems with not the last couple.
I see hopkins is touted to go as the test kepper - don't we have anyone better as a keeper/batsman? What about Griggs?
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