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GEORGETOWN, Guyana - It is a headache the New Zealand cricket team could do without, and one migraine-prone seamer James Franklin fears could persist at the World Cup.
The Wellington all-rounder has been blighted by the debilitating headaches since he was 12, although their frequency appeared to be in decline. However, two in the last four months have the 26-year-old worrying about a return to those bad old days as a teenager.
Franklin's latest vision-blurring migraine forced him to cut short his most impressive bowling performance of the tournament to date -- six overs for 27 against Bangladesh in Antigua last Monday (Tuesday NZT).
Franklin, who has four wickets at 29.75, has been the most expensive of the frontline New Zealand bowlers still on tour -- though an economy rate of 4.72 runs per over is hardly a career-threatening statistic.
Still, he felt he was finally getting back into his stride against the minnows after suffering a three-over mauling from rampant West Indian opener Chris Gayle in his other short-lived spell on the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.
However, the 16th over drinks break was the beginning of the end for Franklin after his sight started to go fuzzy.
"I was fine before I had a drink but when I put it down and tried to focus in on something I noticed there was a blurry patch on my vision," said Franklin, well aware of the danger signs.
"I bowled another over after that, but half way through it was all blurred so I knew it was time to get off and get some water and pills into me.
"I felt like I'd been smacked in the head by a heavyweight boxer. I get blurred vision and then tunnel vision 20 minutes after that."
Franklin, usually back to normal after three to four hours rest, thought he had the affliction beaten after suffering a mid-game attack during the 2005 test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
It was then 18 months before he was forced to retreat to another darkened room -- at Tasmania's Bellerive Oval during New Zealand's CB Tri-Series opener on January 14.
The fact the next migraine followed so soon has Franklin worried considering New Zealand are on the verge of a successful Cup campaign.
"They'd become increasingly further apart in terms of spacing but having one in January and another one now is a little concerning.
"I don't think the scientific world know why they occur. I thought it could come down to dietary things so I've cut out a lot of caffeine out of my diet and I try to be hydrated.
"I was pretty well hydrated the other day and it came from nowhere.
"I just hope it doesn't hinder me in terms of the rest of the tournament. I was just feeling I was starting to turn a little corner with my bowling."
New Zealand team management doubtless share Franklin's view, given the various ailments the bowling unit has already had to contend with.
Daryl Tuffey is already back home nursing a biceps injury, while Michael Mason will miss Monday's (1.30am Tuesday NZT) Super Eights clash here with Ireland after suffering a calf strain shortly before Franklin was put out of action. Mark Gillespie is still officially on ice after his long rehabilitation from a mystery viral infection.
Although Franklin has been overshadowed in the wicket-taking stakes by the peerless Shane Bond and second tier seamer Scott Styris, his left arm variation offers a significant point of difference in the Black Caps attack.
His strokeplay, though yet to be showcased in the West Indies, offers another positive in a line-up that bats deep.
Franklin's core responsibility lies with the ball, however, and he was happy with whichever role Stephen Fleming designated for him.
"I've been flitting between opening and bowling first change over the course of the season," the 60-match veteran said.
"My figures haven't been great but in both circumstances you've got a good chance of taking wickets because you're generally bowling the power plays and the batsmen are looking to be aggressive.
"I'm just happy to be in the team, whatever my role is."
- NZPA
