Cricket: Wilson in surprise return for Black Caps

UPDATE - Jeff Wilson's glittering international sports career was stunningly revived today after being named in the New Zealand cricket team to play the World 11 in a one-day series later this month.

The former All Blacks rugby great, who last represented New Zealand in cricket in four one-day internationals 12 years ago, was a shock inclusion for the three-match series in Christchurch (Jan 22), Wellington (Jan 24) and Hamilton (Jan 26).


Wilson, 31, played cricket for New Zealand in the series against Australia in 1993, striking an unbeaten 44 off 28 balls to propel his team to a final-over victory at Hamilton.


Later that year, one day before his 20th birthday, he made his test rugby debut against Scotland in Edinburgh, scoring three tries.


Wilson played 60 tests at wing and fullback for the All Blacks up until 2001, scoring 44 tries, which places him second on the all-time New Zealand test list, two behind Christian Cullen.


He announced his retirmement from all levels of rugby in May 2002, aiming to again take cricket as far as he could.


He was therefore delighted to be contacted this week by coach John Bracewell.


"I have been working towards Black Caps selection," Wilson said in a statement.


"Now that I have this chance I am looking forward to getting in there and making the most of it."


Bracewell said he believed Wilson had much to offer the team.


"The selectors have watched Jeff and have no doubt that he is a dynamic cricketer. He is also a dynamic persona, much in the same way as (former Black Cap bowler) Dion Nash," Bracewell said.


"His match-turning ability is undoubted and we just need to see if he can step up to this level again and also see if he can perform in a travel, play, travel environment.


"We are keen to explore another option for a bowler who can bat well in the closing overs. There is no guarantee that Jeff will be a regular feature in the Black Caps but this is an opportunity for him to establish himself."


There are otherwise no surprises in today's squad, with the 11 who started in the sole one-day clash against Sri Lanka on Boxing Day all returning.


Wilson comes in for pace bowler Ian Butler, who was 12th man for that match and currently has a bulging disc in his back.


Butler was undergoing rehabilitation before being allowed to return to the field in a State Shield match for Northern Districts on January 28.


His schedule will be based around having him ready for the home series against Australia starting in mid-February.


Team:
Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Mathew Sinclair, Scott Styris, Hamish Marshall, Chris Cairns, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Jeff Wilson, Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills, Daryl Tuffey.