Cricket: Bid for speedy import heats up

Dirk Nannes. Photo / Getty Images

Canterbury are chasing Australian speedster Dirk Nannes to boost their Twenty20 HRV Cup title hopes.

The 34-year-old left-armer can bowl around 150km/h and gets late swing.

He has been a regular in Australia's T20 side for the past couple of seasons after initially turning out for the Netherlands at the 2009 World T20.

Playing for Australia at this year's edition in the Caribbean, he was the tournament's leading wicket-taker, picking up 14 at an average of 13.07.

Nannes played nine matches for the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League last season. He finished with an economy rate of 6.55 runs per over - the best of their mainstream bowlers. He retired from first-class play this year.

Canterbury have been checking his availability, with news that their other international signings remain in doubt.

Shaun Tait continues to battle back from an elbow injury. He requires clearance from both a surgeon and Cricket Australia before he's granted permission to join the HRV Cup.

His first priority is getting fit enough to take part in Australia's Big Bash T20 league next month.

"Shaun can't commit to anything yet but we're still hoping to have him for six or seven games," said Canterbury Cricket's chief executive Lee Germon.

There are also snags surrounding two other recruits - South African all-rounder Johan van der Wath and Australian-born Durham pace bowler Mitchell Claydon.

Van der Wath will play for the Knights against the Titans in the final of South Africa's 40-over competition on Saturday (NZT), so he will miss Canterbury's first three games. The 32-year-old is a useful all-rounder, having played better than run-a-ball middle-order knocks and taken crucial top order wickets in the Knights' home-and-away semifinal wins over the Dolphins.

Claydon injured a hand in training. Germon says he should be OK to play today against hosts Wellington but the hand may need rest at some point.

"Certainly Dirk would be useful cover if Mitchell can't play."

Canterbury's other import is Dutch and Essex all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate.