Aberhart wants Nash's input
From Stuff, May 3, 2002

LAHORE: New Zealand cricket coach Denis Aberhart hopes Dion Nash can be used as a mentor for young players in the side after the fiery allrounder announced his retirement yesterday.

Speaking after a forgettable day against Pakistan, Aberhart said Nash's attitude and ability demanded he be used in the future in an off-field role if he was willing.

"He's got a lot to offer young cricketers with his knowledge and experience," Aberhart said.

"I hope he will share that with the younger guys, because he's been through a lot and worked so hard to get back... it would be great for him to do that."

Aberhart said Nash had figured prominently in his World Cup plans for South Africa in February, but was aware a decision on his future wasn't far away.

His troublesome hip injury had proved hard to get right and there was the question mark over whether he would be ready in time.

"I thought it was probably in the wind. He had to decide if he could go through it all again, then possibly not make it."

Aberhart only had one tour with Nash, to Australia last year when he was injured during the first test then late in the one-day tri-series.

He still saw Nash at his best with a potentially match-winning innings in Brisbane then a superb spell against South Africa in Perth when he bowled Jacques Kallis with one of the best deliveries of his career.

"Dion worked so hard last winter to get back for the tour of Australia.

"In the first test in Brisbane he got 25 not out to help us avoid the follow on, and we almost got up and won the test.

"Then there was one of his last bowling performances in Perth where he bowled beautifully. He's a real competitor, a great role model with how he got the best out of himself.

"He was very aggressive, he played it hard and he expected others to play the same way."

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