Nash targets return for India match
18 July 2001

COLOMBO: Dion Nash's return to international cricket has been put on hold for at least another two days with New Zealand cautiously resting the injury-plagued allrounder from the Coca Cola Cup tri-series opener against Sri Lanka later today.

Nash will sit out the match at Premadasa International Stadium with management targeting Friday's match against India for his return after a 10-month break from international cricket.

Team manager Jeff Crowe emphasised there was nothing sinister in the decision to omit Nash from the day-night encounter which starts at 8.30pm New Zealand Time.

"Dion is on target and has done everything required by his programme.

"He was only going to play certain games and he is very likely to play against India. We have to do the right thing by him."

Nash is desperate to return to the New Zealand side with the constant talk about his back developing into a pain in the neck for the 29-year-old.

Tired of the daily drill of answering queries about his medical history, Nash, who has played just six of New Zealand's last 43 one-dayers, is relishing the opportunity to focus on his playing abilities.

Despite enduring months of painful rehabilitation, he said the mental aspect of slotting back into international scene was a tougher obstacle to negotiate.

"It's been the more difficult thing, mentally getting over the injury and then taking the step up to international cricket.

"It's quite an interesting time, I'm thinking about positive thoughts and trying to visualise the good times that have been in the past."

While he had sought advice of team-mates and friends at home, he's handled most of his mental preparation alone.

"I've bounced ideas off people in the team but really it's the quiet moments to yourself where you have to stay positive and upbeat."

Unashamedly a poor spectator when frustrated by injury, Nash said he had taken more interest in the Sri Lankan and Indian teams as his comeback draws closer.

"Taking time out to think about the opposition is a part of getting back into the swing. I know them pretty well, their strengths and weaknesses."

Sri Lanka and New Zealand training overlapped at the match venue yesterday, giving Nash the chance to spy on some old adversaries.

While the absence through injury of Indian ace Sachin Tendulkar has been a major talking point, Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya and Indian counterpart Sourav Ganguly each made a point of welcoming Nash back to the fray, a gesture appreciated by the ultra-competitive Aucklander.

"It will be nice to be playing again and back with those guys. We've had run ins and battles in the past.

"There's a few good guys in both teams I've got on well with and I'm looking forward to renewing old rivalries."

Nash bowled five overs in the warmup win over Sri Lanka A on Monday and only had a light bowling workout at the final practice session yesterday.

"It's been a gradual process and so far so good," he said.

Coach David Trist thought Nash had come through the tournament preparation well but placed no expectations on him.

"He's got to play catch-up mentally and physically but we're happy with where he's at."

Meanwhile, key spinner Daniel Vettori has convinced selectors he was ready to return from a back injury that has kept him in cotton wool since the visit by Pakistan.

Allrounder James Franklin and spinner Grant Bradburn also miss the tournament opener.

The Premadasa International wicket is expected to play quicker than traditional Sri Lankan wickets but is still expected to favour the slow bowlers later in the day.

The New Zealand camp were monitoring dew levels in Colombo last night as they considered whether to bowl in peak temperatures or field under lights where moisture could hamper fielding, should Stephen Fleming win the toss and dictate terms.

New Zealand: Mathew Sinclair, Nathan Astle, Stephen Fleming (captain), Craig McMillan, Lou Vincent, Chris Harris, Adam Parore, Jacob Oram, Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills, Daryl Tuffey.

[Articles]