CRICKET - Northern's knight in shining armour

The return of one of Northland's favourite sons, Hamish Marshall, should add extra firepower to the Northern Knights' batting line-up when they play their first State Shield match against Wellington this Sunday in Whangarei.
The globe-trotting twin brother of Northern Districts captain James arrives in the country on Wednesday and joins ND as their overseas player for the summer. It's something of an "Irish" irony that Marshall, who has played 55 first-class matches for ND, is their foreign player but he is fortunate to be playing in New Zealand, with some of his colleagues who have played in the "rebel" Indian Cricket League (ICL) left out.
Marshall believes the players shouldn't be the casualties of the political battle.
"I don't like to get involved in the politics side of things but it's a real shame for world cricket and especially for New Zealand cricket," he said.
"There are some very good cricketers playing very well in the ICL, who can do a job in New Zealand, especially with their experience and leadership skills, they have a lot to offer and they can't play, which is a shame.
"Hopefully things will change and the BCCI [Indian Board of Control] will change their minds."
After playing in last year's ODI World Cup, Marshall gave up a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) contract in favour of playing county cricket in England. He began a stint with English county side Gloucestershire, where he started as an overseas player before making use of his dual Irish citizenship to renew his contract. Officially recognised by the English Cricket Board (ECB) as a local player, he returns to Northland as an overseas player.
Marshall described his decision back then as the most difficult of his life but at least it allowed him to accept a lucrative ICL contract.
He enjoyed the first tournament playing for the Chandigarh Lions but it was this year, playing alongside Andre Adams and Craig McMillan with the Royal Bengal Tigers, that Marshall really tasted success in the league, with the side making the semifinals.
"I was very happy with the way I performed but, more to the point, I realised that coming up to the age of 30 I can still learn new things about the game, which I found refreshing to learn."
Unfortunately, he was forced to choose between an ICL contract and a Gloucestershire contract, with the ECB regulations tightening up - and he chose to keep playing in England.
"As much as I'm disappointed with that, it's just one of those things. On the positive side it means I can still go back to ND, which is a real bonus," Marshall said.
Marshall has been missing the familiarity of New Zealand, especially recently as the chill of the English winter descends and it seems unlikely he'll ever call the west of England home.
"New Zealand culture is more my style. I enjoy English culture as well but the Kiwi way of life is what I miss, even though people say it is similar to England - I'm not entirely convinced - it's wet and cold here."
Marshall was looking forward to returning home after spending the best part of a week in bed with the flu.
"Right now the trip home doesn't seem that appealing but come Monday when I leave, I'll be looking forward to getting home and jumping into some nice warm weather at least."
Marshall could be just what new Northern Districts coach Grant Bradburn is looking for as the side's top order has showed itself to be fairly brittle in the State Championships Series to date this summer. But Marshall says the quality is there and it will show through.
"I've just come off a similar season with Gloucester when things didn't really go our way - and it can go like that. ND have plenty of quality in that top order, look at BJ Watling and Michael Parlane, guys who have proven they can get big runs, and often it just takes one good innings or a very good win for the team and things turn around quickly morale-wise and confidence-wise."
Marshall arrives home on Wednesday and will be available for Sunday's match at Cobham Oval.