Nash's irresistible form earns him national recall
From NZPA, December 31, 1997

Northern Districts all-rounder Dion Nash was last night rewarded for fine early-season form with a recall to the New Zealand cricket team for the second half of its one-day tri-series in Australia next month.

Nash, who has been out of the New Zealand team since the tour of the West Indies early last year because of a back injury, is one of two changes to the squad from that used in the pre-Christmas matches against Australia and South Africa. Opener Craig Spearman has been brought back in after being dropped for the Australian tour, while left arm fast-medium bowler Geoff Allott, all-rounder Roger Twose, and medium-pacer Gavin Larsen are out of a squad trimmed from 14 to 13. Larsen was not available for selection, having fractured a bone in his foot during the last one-dayer in Australia a fortnight ago.

Nash (26), seemed set to be a integral part of the New Zealand team when he took 11 wickets and hit a half-century against England at Lord's in 1994. However, back injuries reduced his effectiveness and he missed the 1996-97 season. Now he is working his way back to full pace and has shown considerable ability with the bat, including a century for Northern against Central in the Conference competition.

"He's produced the goods right through Conference Cricket and into Shell Cup," New Zealand convenor of selectors Ross Dykes said last night. "His form with both bat and ball is very high and he is satisfied, as are his medical advisers, that he's now capable of giving what's required at the top level."

Nash has taken 26 wickets in his 28 one-day internationals.

Spearman was recalled for New Zealand's tour of Zimbabwe in September-October as a late replacement for the injured Bryan Young, but did not do his chances of becoming a permanent fixture much good with only moderate performances. But a brilliant century against Canterbury in Monday's Shell Cup match in Nelson, along with other encouraging form, has reopened the door for the dashing opener.

"He's always been within the top group of players and we asked him to produce form and he's done that with a vengeance. "He's simply got in on current form," Dykes added.

Allott was not required in the first four one-dayers in Australia and his omission is no surprise while Twose was a borderline case for retention. He joined the Australian tour just before the third test in Hobart, and did not have much luck with run outs and questionable umpiring decisions.

The New Zealand team will play South Australia in a day-night match in Adelaide next Sunday. It has two matches left against each of South Africa and Australia. The team is: Stephen Fleming (captain, Canterbury), Nathan Astle (Canterbury), Chris Cairns (Canterbury), Simon Doull (Northern Districts), Chris Harris (Canterbury), Matthew Horne (Otago), Craig McMillan (Canterbury), Dion Nash (Northern Districts), Shayne O'Connor (Otago), Adam Parore (Auckland), Craig Spearman (Central Districts), Daniel Vettori (Northern Districts), Bryan Young (Northern Districts).

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