Cricket: Allrounder considering return

Dion Nash. File photo / Mark Mitchell

Dion Nash is considering a return to cricket nearly a decade after giving the game away.

The 38-year-old former New Zealand allrounder and Black Caps selector retired after the 2001-02 season but is hungry to play again, this time for Grafton United in the premier Auckland competition.

He popped down to one of the club's pre-season practices a few weeks ago.

Former Warriors chief executive Mick Watson is helping organise some of the senior ranks at Grafton. He heard Nash might be interested in rolling the arm over and playing a couple of his classic straight drives, so gave him a call.

"Dion came down had a practice and enjoyed it but it's 50:50 whether he'll play," Watson said.

The main reason Nash is weighing the matter up is because he is considering taking his family - wife Bernice Mene and their three children - to the UK to continue developing the 42 Below vodka brand in overseas markets. Nash has been the company's marketing manager for several years.

"I've got an offer on the table, so it's too early to say whether I'll play but, if it doesn't work out, I'm keen," Nash says.

His appearance at training was greeted warmly by a team who have struggled in recent years. Grafton finished bottom of the minor premier two-day competition last year, last in their one-day pool and second-to-last in the Twenty20 pool.

The historic Auckland club has been home to a number of New Zealand players, including former captain Mark Burgess, Willie Watson, Horne brothers Phil and Matt, Lou Vincent and Andre Adams.

However, they last won a men's two-day title in 2000-01 and a one-day title in 2003-04.

One source said Nash - renowned for his combative nature on the field - would be a great addition because he got straight into giving a couple of players a "hurry up" with the ball in the nets.

But a coy Nash is unsure his old competitive urge will return.

"I've only really played a bit of Aussie Rules for the Mt Roskill Saints since I retired. I've been beaten up doing that and broke my thumb at one stage."

Further prodding revealed he also won a premiership with the Saints.

Nash says he likes the idea of giving something back.

"I haven't played much club cricket since my days in the Dunedin competition representing Taieri.

"Grafton has a similar special club feel, as though it is a club with plenty of history."

In an injury-ravaged career, Nash remains most notable as the only player to score a 50 and take 10 wickets (11-169) in a test at Lord's. He achieved the feat on New Zealand's 1994 tour.