Cricket: Lou Vincent back for Auckland

Former test batsman Lou Vincent is making a surprise return for Auckland, playing in the domestic Twenty20 championship, and could be in action next week.

The 31-year-old, whose 23rd and last test was in South Africa two seasons ago, is arriving in Auckland today from his home in England for a break and Auckland have worked out a short-term arrangement.

The entertaining top-order batsman will be in line to play the last two one-day competition games of the year - next Wednesday against Wellington at Colin Maiden Park, and on December 28 in Christchurch - and will be available for the 10 round robin games of the HRV Cup, starting on January 2.