Black Caps quick Milne nears return
There must be plenty of former Black Caps coaches looking at Gary Stead with more than a hint of envy.
Just when it seemed the Black Caps fast bowling stocks were at an all-time high, another speedster is set to make a last-gasp attempt to be fit and firing in time for the World Cup that begins in England in late May.
The injury-plagued Adam Milne is nearing a return and could play for the Central Stags within the next 10 days.
Milne, who has not turned out for the Black Caps in an ODI since playing against India in October, 2017, was originally struck down with a side strain before suffering a hamstring injury as he neared a return.
‘‘Adam’s back bowling at near enough 100 per cent so I expect in the next week or so that he’ll be playing again for Central Districts,’’ Stead said yesterday.
With allrounders, Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme strongly in the World Cup mix, one of Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Doug Bracewell could miss out on the World Cup squad regardless of whether Milne becomes a contender.
Such depth in the fast bowling ranks has been virtually nonexistent over the past two decades.
The cynics will say if Milne is fit by February then he is unlikely to remain fit in time for the World Cup.
And let’s be real here, if Milne could force his way back into contention form wise, he would be a major risk over the two-month long tournament.
But he was mighty impressive for Kent in the T20 Blast last year. It may not have been international 50 over cricket but white ball form in England must be a consideration for the selectors.
The same can be said for his Kent team-mate, Henry, who was a star of the English domestic scene last year.
There has been some speculation that Southee, a star of the
2015 World Cup and a mainstay with the new ball for the Blacks Caps in all three formats, could be in danger of not making the trip to England but it seems unlikely.
Stead, who took the reins from Mike Hesson in September, was quick to deflect away any suggestion that Southee’s position in the World Cup squad was under pressure.
‘‘It’s probably easier to put it this way, I think the bowling stocks in New Zealand cricket at the moment is our biggest strength,’’ Stead said.
Southee has struggled to match his devastating form of the
2015 World Cup in the last 33⁄4 years.
Post the 2015 World Cup, Southee’s bowling average has leapt up to 44.54 from 34.64 and his strike rate has ballooned out from 38.3 to 46.8.
Stead said Southee had proven his worth in several ways to the team and it seems his experience will ensure he is named in the World Cup squad in April.
‘‘I don’t want to call anyone a lock-in because I think that’s unfair to everyone else but he’s definitely a high contender to be in the World Cup squad,’’ Stead said.