Cricket: Wilson positive despite season-ending injury

Jeff Wilson hopes that the final chapter to his fairytale return to international cricket has not yet been written, despite a frustrating season-ending injury.

He was ruled out of Saturday's fifth one-day international against Australia in Napier after he injured his right ankle on the morning of the match.

The injury, which will force Wilson to miss the rest of the first-class season for Otago, is a hangover from his rugby playing days.

In 2000, Wilson had to have some bone spurs removed from his ankle, which were giving him pain, and will need the same operation again.

The expected recovery time is between six to eight weeks.

The dual international said yesterday that he was frustrated and disappointed with the way his season had come to an end, but planned to be back next season.

"All going well, and if I get the recovery right, then I'm confident I'm going to be back next season."

Wilson's return to international cricket did not go well.

He took only one wicket, that of Adam Gilchrist, and conceded 125 runs from 15 overs at an average of 8.33 an over.

Wilson showed some promise with the bat in the second match of the series at Jade Stadium with a cameo of 22 from 27 deliveries, but was trapped leg-before by Glenn McGrath for one in the fourth game.

In assessing his own performance, Wilson felt he was too green and Australia were just too good.