Cricket: Cumming 'better prepared' for international recall

Otago captain Craig Cumming is adamant he is better prepared for international cricket this time.

Cumming has been recalled to the Black Caps for tomorrow's one-dayer against Australia in Wellington, ending 13 months in the international cricketing wilderness.

He replaced Michael Papps, who took a sickening blow to the head from a Brett Lee delivery in Auckland yesterday and was forced to retire.

Papps was cleared of any serious damage, but was considered not fit for Tuesday's game.

"It's great," Cumming said today of his selection.

"There is nothing better than going in against the world's best and pitting your skills against them.

"I can't wait for the challenge. I've spent a lot of time over the years watching and dreaming of playing Australia, and here it is."

Cumming was dumped from the Black Caps in January 2004 after 10 one-day matches -- all against Pakistan -- which yielded just 138 runs at an average of 15.33.

Then he was facing the pace barrage of Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami. On Tuesday it will be Lee and company.

However, the 29-year-old believes he is better prepared for the demands of international cricket.

In the State Shield he was the competition's third highest run scorer, with 380 runs at an average of 38.

"I've been scoring a lot of runs and I feel confident in my game. I'm more aware of what to expect because I've been here before.

"With all of the outside pressures that come along, I think I am better prepared to deal with it."

Cumming had seen little of the Australian series for far, which "might be a good thing."

"They've got four of the best pace bowlers in the world.

"To me, it's not about focusing on them. It's about focusing on myself and what I have to do. That's how I prepare for any game."

Cumming said he felt for Papps, who is a close friend.

"He's had a pretty wretched run with injuries in the last few seasons. I felt a bit sorry for him and hopefully he'll bounce back."

Cumming was on his way to Christchurch today for an anniversary 20-over match with his former St Albans club when he received news of his selection.

- NZPA