Cricket: Franklin enthused about future

There will be no happy homecoming for James Franklin should New Zealand break a 53-year duck and win their first cricket series in South Africa next month.

The Wellingtonian all-rounder will be heading straight to Wales after the third test at the Wanderers to join Cardiff-based county side Glamorgan for the remainder of the English domestic season.

An approach from Glamorgan "came out of the blue" as Franklin was sheltering from the rain at Napier's McLean Park last month and there was no hesitation in signing on for a second country stint.

"I got the call during the last test against the Windies. It was a nice surprise and you can't not take an opportunity like that," the 16-test-veteran told NZPA, confirming his signing.

His commitments with the Black Caps mean he will miss five weeks of the season but with the schedule extending into September the left arm pace bowler will have ample of time to justify his contract.

Franklin, who took six for 138 during the Black Caps tour opener against the Rest of South Africa, was looking forward to re-acquainting himself with Sophia Gardens, Glamorgan's base in the heart of the Welsh capital.

"We (New Zealand) had a one-day game there (in 2004) during the NatWest series and I've also played there for Gloucester."

Franklin was a month-long stop-gap import for Gloucestershire after the Black Caps tour two years ago, filling the void left by two Pakistanis with late-blooming Australian batsman Mike Hussey.

He took six for 70 in his debut against Lancashire -- the best figures on debut for the Bristol-based club since 1900.

Franklin will also have an Australian for company in Cardiff with South Australian Mark Cosgrove filling the overseas player quota.

The lithe 25-year-old admitted he knew little of Cosgrove, whose waistline famously came under scrutiny before the Australia domestic season kicked off last October.

Cosgrove was initially exiled from the Adelaide Oval after returning from a stint in England overweight and had to undergo a stringent fitness regime to get into shape and regain his spot in the state side.

"I've only heard he likes to smash it -- he's a young Darren Lehmann," Franklin said diplomatically.

The trans-Tasman duo replace Australians Matt Elliot and Michael Kasprowicz, who has recently been recalled to the world champion's squad.

- NZPA