Cricket: Timely return for Doull

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Simon Doull is back.

The New Zealand strike bowler had faced an uncertain cricketing future after returning from India with a recurring knee injury.

He had an operation but even then it was far from certain he would be back playing.

Doull took a steady-as-she goes approach with his rehabilitation, easing himself back with a day of club cricket before playing for Hamilton against Northland in a Fergus Hickey match in Whangarei over the weekend.

Last night he was named by the Northern Districts selectors for Wednesday's Shell Cup match against Auckland on Eden Park's outer oval in what is seen as another step towards an eventual international recall.

Against Northland, Doull bowled 11 overs - six maidens - and took none for 13 as Northland were bundled out for 51 in their first innings. At one stage of Northland's second innings, Doull had two for 22 from 12 overs.

He will be joined in the ND side for the cup match by New Zealand left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori. They come into the side for Graeme Aldridge and Bruce Martin.

At the request of the New Zealand selectors, Vettori was rested for a couple of matches following his heavy summer workload in the tests and one-day internationals against the West Indies.

"I'm looking forward to getting out and playing some Shell Cup," said Vettori as he watched Northern play Otago at WestpacTrust Park yesterday. "I feel fine after a few days off."

New Zealand test opening batsman Matt Horne, who broke a bone in his hand in the first test against the West Indies in Hamilton last month, was also at the ground yesterday.

Horne told New Zealand selectors Ross Dykes and Rick Pickard that he hopes to be ready to start batting again in about a week.

"Obviously we are keen to see Simon and Matt back playing," said Dykes. "While they will probably not figure in our plans for the six one-day internationals against Australia, we would like to see them playing Shell Trophy with a view to returning for the test series which follow the one-day games."