Nash uncertain for one-dayers
By Simon Winter
From Stuff, November 18, 2001

Dion Nash is in danger of missing the Black Caps' one-day tri-series in Australia.

The star allrounder won't be able to bowl for six to eight weeks, leaving him just a 50-50 chance of making the one-day tournament which starts on January 11.

Nash's heroic batting effort during the first test in Brisbane saved the Black Caps from following on. But he tore left-hand-side stomach muscles badly while fielding on the second day.

He remains optimistic he can recover in time for the one-dayers.

"I'm not bitter. At least it's not the back," the injury-plagued Nash said.

"The thing is being able to play some cricket before the one-day series - to try to get in shape.

"That's where the time factor comes into it - the injury will hopefully have healed but I still need to get more cricket behind me."

He can't exercise for the next two weeks but may play some cricket for Auckland as a batsman while healing.

He might be gone from the Australian tour but he's certainly not forgotten.

The Black Caps are using Nash's first test heroics as motivation for the second test against Australia starting in Hobart on Thursday.

Coach Denis Aberhart said the Black Caps would probably have lost the first test if it wasn't for Nash's effort in getting his side past the follow-on.

"It was such a brave effort and lifted the side so much," Aberhart said.

"It took us from a position where we would have been trying to save the test to a position where we should have won it."

Nash batted for more than an hour to score 25 vital runs that saved the test for New Zealand.

"He's a real leader, he's a guy you can depend on in a tough situation.

"The guys have been thinking a lot about Dion since he left."

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