Cricket: Twose in demand

New Zealand Cricket will try to retain the services of Wellington one-day batsman Roger Twose until the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

Twose, 32, comes off his contract with New Zealand Cricket in April and has been considering retirement from the game at all levels, despite being ranked No 3 one-day batsman in the world.

He is understood to be leaning towards a marketing career with the National Bank, where he works when his cricket commitments allow.

New Zealand Cricket operations manager John Reid said it would be "irresponsible" to let the in-form Twose walk away when the future included a tri-series in Australia next season and the World Cup in 2003.

Twose is one of the most vital players in the New Zealand one-day side and that puts him in a powerful negotiating position.

"I'm not aware it is money that will keep him in the game," Reid said.

"There are noises about him finishing and clearly we are not going to let that happen without some discussion.

"Money-wise there isn't a range we have to stay in, but clearly we are responsible to the game and other players.

"At the same time we have to recognise he is in the top echelon."

Reid is against Twose being enticed to continue by playing only at Shell Cup (one-day) level on the domestic front.

"Playing just cup cricket is clearly not our first position. We want everybody playing in both competitions," Reid said.

"I don't believe playing the cup alone is enough to get someone ready for international cricket."

Reid said a meeting with Twose may take place in March, after the one-day series against Pakistan.

- NZPA