Cricket: Fast bowlers ride merry-go-round

By CHRIS RATTUE and NZPA


As one world-rated New Zealand medium fast bowler began his comeback another has again succumbed to injury.

Simon Doull played his first game of cricket in six months over the weekend, but Dion Nash has been ruled out of the final one-day international against the West Indies today and almost all of Auckland's Shell Cup campaign.

The New Zealand side is trying to nurse Nash, who has back problems, through the next few weeks so he is ready for the series against Australia which begins on February 16.

There are six one-day internationals against Australia, followed by three tests.

National coach David Trist said Nash only bowled at 50 to 60 per cent in the fourth one-day international against the West Indies in Wellington last weekend.

Auckland knew that Nash might only be available to them as a batsman but New Zealand Cricket told them yesterday that he would be available only in the final round against Canterbury on January 25, and only if he passed a fitness test.

Auckland understand that the New Zealand players will rest on Friday, when the Shell Cup resumes, but they expect to include their other current international, Adam Parore, in the side to play in Wellington on Sunday.

Auckland have won three of their first four cup games but have batting woes, and coach Tony Sail said Nash's loss was a "massive blow."

Doull bowled 17 overs for Eastern Suburbs in premier Hamilton club cricket, spent two sessions in the field, and top-scored with 56 batting at number three.

"I'm a bit stiff, but I'm feeling pretty good," said Doull, who has had two operations since injuring his right knee in July. He bowled close to full pace for the first eight overs but then slowed down.

He now aims to play for Hamilton in a two-day match against Northland in Whangarei this weekend as he aims for a return to first-class cricket.