Aberhart wants Nash's input
From Stuff, May 3, 2002
LAHORE: New Zealand cricket coach Denis Aberhart hopes Dion
Nash can be used as a mentor for young players in the side
after the fiery allrounder announced his retirement yesterday.
Speaking after a forgettable day against Pakistan, Aberhart
said Nash's attitude and ability demanded he be used in the
future in an off-field role if he was willing.
"He's got a lot to offer young cricketers with his knowledge
and experience," Aberhart said.
"I hope he will share that with the younger guys, because
he's been through a lot and worked so hard to get back...
it would be great for him to do that."
Aberhart said Nash had figured prominently in his World Cup
plans for South Africa in February, but was aware a decision
on his future wasn't far away.
His troublesome hip injury had proved hard to get right and
there was the question mark over whether he would be ready
in time.
"I thought it was probably in the wind. He had to decide
if he could go through it all again, then possibly not make
it."
Aberhart only had one tour with Nash, to Australia last year
when he was injured during the first test then late in the
one-day tri-series.
He still saw Nash at his best with a potentially match-winning
innings in Brisbane then a superb spell against South Africa
in Perth when he bowled Jacques Kallis with one of the best
deliveries of his career.
"Dion worked so hard last winter to get back for the tour
of Australia.
"In the first test in Brisbane he got 25 not out to help
us avoid the follow on, and we almost got up and won the test.
"Then there was one of his last bowling performances in Perth
where he bowled beautifully. He's a real competitor, a great
role model with how he got the best out of himself.
"He was very aggressive, he played it hard and he expected
others to play the same way."
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