‘Retired’ O’Brien tipped for New Zealand comeback
By ANISaturday, October 23, 2010
AUCKLAND - New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has kept all doors open for fast bowler Iain O’Brien to come out of retirement and be a part of the national squad.
In December 2009, O’Brien had announced his decision to retire from international cricket to spend more time with his wife in England.
“We’ve stayed in touch. We’d love to have him back, fitness and form permitting. It would be good to have him back in the mix,” the New Zealand Herald quoted Vettori, as saying.
The fast bowler’s decision to retire had prompted English club Middlesex to sign him as their overseas player for the 2010 season.
However, an eligibility complication has raised the possibility of the Wellington bowler returning to New Zealand.
According to Middlesex Chief Executive Vinny Codrington, an issue with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has proved “problematic”, leaving O’Brien in “an extremely difficult position contractually”.
In his 22 tests, O’Brien took 73 wickets at 33.27, but was the national team’s most reliable seamer in his final season by taking 38 wickets in his last 10 Tests. (ANI)
