Cricket: Where Adams has gone wrong

Andre Adams has been thrown a lifeline by New Zealand coach John Bracewell, saying he still has an international future as long as he sorts out his attitude.

The talented allrounder made his first appearance in official New Zealand team kit in 14 months in Southampton last night after falling off the radar last season and not even being required for New Zealand A.

A perceived casual attitude, injury trouble and inconsistent performances saw his name left off the list of 20 New Zealand contracted players in April.

Adams was summoned this week from the Lancashire League with Colne, between Leeds and Manchester, to cover for injury niggles to Daryl Tuffey, Chris Cairns, and Jacob Oram ahead of tomorrow night's tri-series final against the West Indies at Lord's.

Bracewell said yesterday that he was determined Adams would not be cast to the international scrapheap at 28, and organised a programme with the team's psychologist, Gilbert Enoka.

"He's a talented athlete, and we won't give up on Andre. It'll be when Andre gives up on himself," Bracewell said.

"He's talented enough to play international cricket again, but you can't drift through life on talent alone. You've got to have disciplines and professionalism, and a day-in, day-out attitude. You can't just turn it on like a light switch."

Adams had the crowds flocking during England's tour two years ago with his explosive batting, in which he has maintained a strike rate of 100-plus in one-dayers, and sharp swing and seam bowling which hauled in six wickets to secure New Zealand a test win at Eden Park.

But it has all gone downhill since.

- NZPA