Cricket: Have pads, will travel

Hamish Marshall

The search is still on to find an English county side for rising star batsman Hamish Marshall.

The Black Cap is coming off a season that saw him net two test centuries, his maiden first-class ton and rise to No 37 in the test batting rankings.

Black Caps coach John Bracewell is using his contacts to secure something short term for Marshall ahead of the Black Caps' August tour to Zimbabwe. At the moment, Marshall's cricket will be restricted to playing for glamour club Lashings, based in Kent.

"I'm looking to head over by the end of May. At this stage it's playing at club level. If the opportunity came, I would love to play county. It depends on whether a club wants me. There are a few factors, so I just have to sit and wait," Hamish said. There are a number of Australians in county cricket who might be called up during Australia's Ashes tour, so there is a chance Marshall, being on hand, could be recruited by a county side at short notice.

Mike Hussey, unlucky not to be in Australia's squad, is probably next in line if injury hits a batsman, is at Durham this season.

He is a certainty for the one-day squad but Nathan Astle has already secured that slot, from May 25 to July 11.

Craig McMillan last week gained a short-term job alongside Shane Warne at Hampshire, replacing Australian batsman Simon Katich.

Spaces are running out but Marshall remains hopeful. "There's a chance. With injuries, even if an Aussie isn't selected right away, he might be later on."

Marshall scored one of New Zealand's finest centuries, 146 against Australia at Jade Stadium in March. He followed that with 160 at Napier against Sri Lanka.

With the break in the international calendar, he could have relaxed.

"It was an option, then I decided to carry on," he said. "I enjoy travel and going to England is a chance to do that."

Of his season of milestones, Marshall says: "I look back and think 'Wow, I was given an opportunity and was lucky enough to take it.' I didn't dream of it happening that quickly but it's fallen into place and I'm notcomplaining."

Although he treasures the knock against Australia, his 160 at Napier is special because Hamish and James became the first twins to bat together for New Zealand in a test.

"It was one of those summers," Hamish said. There might be a few more to come.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY