Nash ruled out for Pakistan series
By Duncan Johnstone
From Stuff, February 11, 2001

The Black Caps have been dealt another blow with allrounder Dion Nash ruling himself out of an international comeback for the one-day series with Pakistan.

The beleaguered New Zealanders play the final one-dayer against Sri Lanka in Christchurch on Sunday, looking to avoid a 5-0 whitewash, before the team is reselected for the five-match series with Pakistan starting in Auckland next Saturday.

Hopes to have Nash fast-tracked back into the side to add attitude, experience, leadership and talent with both bat and ball, appear to be stalled with the Auckland captain saying he is still a few weeks away from being available because of his ongoing back problems.

Nash has been playing for Auckland primarily as a batsman this season but has been back at the bowling crease for short spells in the last two Shell Trophy games, raising the possibility of a recall.

Reluctantly Nash says that's not quite possible yet and he says he's learned the lesson of coming back too soon after being invalided out of the African tour late last year.

"I feel like I am still a bit under-prepared to start playing international cricket, as much as I'd like to be there," he said yesterday.

"It's very hard to say `no', especially if your country is calling. I'm the only one who really knows where I'm at with my body and, believe me, if I thought there was a slim chance I'd be able to do it, I'd be jumping at it. But I just don't feel I'm there yet.

"I don't think I could get through 10 overs in a day and back up two days later and do it again.

"I'm close to being back. It's frustrating because I'm not really fit for international cricket or the intensity of the international arena.

"I'm starting to bowl four over spells here and there and, while it feels good, it is taking me time to recover. I have to be careful because I don't want to break down again and be back where I was.

"I'm now where I was at the start of the season and I made the mistake of going back a month early then. I really don't want to do the same thing again and embarrass myself and the selectors and let everyone down."

Playing Nash as a batsman might even be considered, given the lean streak of runs. Nash says he'd have to "weigh that up at the time", but believes there is no need to panic despite the recent results.

"Craig McMillan is getting there and Stephen Fleming is back on the rails by the looks of things. It's been a horrid month for them . . .I just hope they can get it right and turn it around.

"It's been hard to watch, but I believe we have the best guys there and there are lot of good young guys coming through. I know we are much better than what we are showing."

An early season injury victim, Nash blames the never-ending international calendar for the rash of injuries that have destroyed the New Zealand team, and also for the slump in form.

"I think the guys look tired as much as anything. These four month tours are too much. You can't be away for that long, playing day in and day out, then come back and have to do the same thing at home," he said.

"I don't think people understand what these itineraries are like. These guys have now been on the road for six or seven months. The home series is just an extension - you don't really get any time at home, as such."

On the possibility of being ready for the three test series with Pakistan that follows the one-dayers, Nash said: "At this stage it's a battle of time. I feel like I am coming right slowly. But I've got to get overs under my belt.

"I'm not willing to rule out anything, it's a week by week thing, but this week's too soon. I will use the next Shell Trophy game to gauge where I am. I don't think the international arena is the place to gauge that."

The selectors will have a review of the Sri Lankan shambles before naming their squad for Pakistan. Much of their thinking will hinge on today's performance. Many areas will be under scrutiny, especially Stephen Fleming's leadership, the batting of Adam Parore and the top order, and the new ball attack.

Of possible reinforcements, Wellington wicketkeeper Chris Nevin still appeals as a one-day option because of his attacking batting, and the talented young Auckland trio of Andre Adams, Kyle Mills and Tama Canning will all come into consideration.

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