Cricket: Aussie rules at New Zealand's net session

Daniel Vettori. Photo / Christine Cornege

Another day, another session bowling in the cricket nets for Australian Football League (AFL) St Kilda.

The "Saints" are in Queenstown for a pre-season camp this week but several players have taken time out in the past two days to roll the arm over at the Queenstown Events Centre nets as New Zealand and Pakistan prepare for the second one-day international today.

They gave the Pakistani batsmen a workout on Monday and it was New Zealand's turn yesterday - and some of the players did enough to impress New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori.

"They actually had some decent bowlers," Vettori said.

"We didn't have any other net bowlers so it was nice for them to turn up and run in. There were a few more people around the nets than we'd normally like but I think the guys got a lot out of it."

Vettori said there were a few AFL followers in the New Zealand team so some names were instantly recognised, particularly St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt, who has landed more than 400 career goals and is one of the stars of the game.

"I think most of the guys knew some of their players. Their skipper, Nick, I've met him before.

"They know a lot about cricket, most Aussies love the game, so it was good interaction. I think the guys enjoyed it."

- NZPA