Cricket: Adams to rejoin Auckland cricket

Andre Adams. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Auckland have signed a familiar face as their principal overseas professional for the coming domestic season.

Allrounder Andre Adams is returning after a two-year absence and will be available for Auckland's Plunket Shield, T20 and one-day competitions.

And the province is looking to sign a second import specifically for the T20 HRV Cup.

Former international Adams, 35, made his debut for Auckland in the 1997-98 season and his numbers justify Auckland's enthusiasm for getting him back.

In his last domestic first-class competition in 2007-08, the bustling medium pacer scooped up 29 wickets at an eye-popping 8.27 apiece before heading for England, where he has been contracted at Nottinghamshire.

In 108 first-class games, Adams has taken 430 wickets at 24 runs each, and hit three centuries.

His 148 one-day games have produced 180 wickets and in 35 T20 games, he's taken 40 wickets and has a strike rate of 130 with the bat.

What is more, there will be no issues integrating a new signing into a dressing room environment he knows all too well.

"We're delighted to welcome him back," Auckland chief executive Andrew Eade said last night.

"His experience will be a huge asset for the team and because he's been part of the Aces setup he will fit in immediately."

Auckland plumped for England batsman Ravi Bopara as their import last summer and he might yet return as a second overseas signing.

The major associations will be able to sign two overseas players for the high profile T20 competition - at their own expense - and Auckland are considering several options, one of whom is Bopara.

When Adams left for England he was in prime form but was ignored in terms of a recall to the national side.

Of the other major associations, Canterbury are understood to be close to signing Australian speedster Shaun Tait, while Northern Districts and Otago have said they expect to be making announcements in the next few days.