Cricket: Corey Anderson ready to return to international action

Corey Anderson knows his latest injury break won't be his last, but he's itching to get back into action at Bay Oval against Sri Lanka in the first T20 of the summer tomorrow.

The beefy allrounder has been sidelined from international action since the first test against England at Lord's in May by back problems.

It has been frustrating, but his rousing form with the bat since returning for Northern Districts has given him a boost.

He'd like to be back bowling his medium-pacers to fill a full allrounders role, but that's got another couple of weeks to go.

Anderson has been bowling in the nets, but January 20 - five days before the first ODI against Pakistan in Wellington - has been earmarked as the day for him to mark out his runup in the middle.

''Watching the guys on the couch has been pretty tough at times so it's nice to be back in the environment. Pretty cool," the 25-year-old said today.

Anderson has enjoyed being back in domestic cricket - his form in the Ford Trophy, 25, 88 and 98 in his three post-Christmas innings has been highly impressive, batting at No 4 for ND.

''It's been nice to contribute for ND and get some time in the middle.

''Being a sole batter there, with no bowling loads, means I've got to get runs. That's always nice to go back to the domestic scene and prove a point and come into this series with a bit of form."

Anderson has missed not being able to bowl and given his reputation as having a golden arm - a bowler who gets wickets to break partnerships and when not expected - that's no surprise.

''Trainings feel a bit lazy, batting then having to park up. I've missed the bowling and I'm looking forward to getting back into it."

- By David Leggat in Mount Maunganui