Bannister back in demand after 27 years

I'm planning to beat the Aussies in their own backyard.Rod BannisterIt has been 27 years, but Wanganui A grade squash player Rod Bannister cannot wait to represent his country again.

The No1 player of Harvey Round Motors Wanganui team in the Central District's competition, Bannister got the call-up late last week from New Zealand Master's chairman of selectors Wayne Seebeck.

He will be a part of the New Zealand Master's team when they take on Australia in the biennial test series, in Canberra at the start of September.

It means another trip back to Aussie in Kiwi colours Bannister last represented New Zealand at Under-19 level during the World Juniors in Brisbane in 1986.

He said he was "elated and humbled" to get to do it all over again. Despite some ankle injury issues during May, Bannister said his form has been good at the start of 2013 and he was confident of being in "tip-top shape" for Canberra.

"Well, what's the use in thinking 'oh, that's great I made the New Zealand team' and resting on your laurels?

"I'm going to Australia with the mindset of beating the Aussies in their own backyard, that's a non-negotiable."

Bannister won the NZ Masters 40-44 title in 2011, beating his New Zealand team-mate Scott Gardiner, of Canterbury, in the final.

He did not contest the 2012 nationals as he was overseas for work commitments.

In Canberra, the Kiwis will face the Aussies in the first two tests, then enter the individual Australian Masters National Championships for five days.

The third test will be played the day after the Australian nationals.

Therefore, Bannister says it is his goal to win both the New Zealand and Australian Masters national titles during September, as well as helping win the test series.

Only one other New Zealander has previously managed the Masters double.

The trans-Tasman Masters tests have been played regularly since 1984.

New Zealand won the previous series in 2011, which was the first time since 2000 and only their fourth victory overall.

The team contains five Canterbury players.

The test format sees the No1 players in each male and female age group grade take each other on. Scoring is up to nine points and players can only win a point if they serve at the start of each rally.