Nash ready to boost Kiwi bowling stocks
By Lynn McConnell
From The Evening Post, December 8, 1997

New Zealand's cricket stocks may be increased by one significant factor next month when all-rounder Dion Nash expects to be back bowling to his full potential.

Eighteen months out of the game after suffering frustrating back injuries, Nash has patiently worked his way back under the medical guidance of Graham Nutteridge and Gilbert Enokada and expects to be right into the groove in the New Year.

Nash was shaping as one of the genuine prospects for New Zealand when scoring a half century and taking 10 wickets in a test at Lord's in 1994 but has rarely been able to show his wares because of injury concerns.

In 14 test matches he has taken 44 wickets at 29.72 and scored 236 runs at 15.73.

Captaincy of the Northern zone team was an unexpected call on him. "I've really enjoyed captaining the Northern side," he said after its 80-run win Central in the Conference one-day final at the Basin Reserve yesterday.

"It's been a new experience but we've had a good team spirit and a lot of experience to call on. In a lot of ways the team just captains itself," he said.

Nash said he has made some alterations to his bowling style, notably opening his action up more, but he didn't expect to suffer a significant loss of speed.

"I've bowled a few spells, mainly in the four-day games because I find it easier to ease my way into those.

"It has been a frustrating 18 months, I'm not a great cricket watcher and it wouldn't be me if I didn't feel it when I see the guys out there playing around the world."

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