Iain O'Brien seeks a return to Wellington Firebirds
New Zealand former pacer Iain O'Brien, whose county career with Middlesex Panthers as their overseas player has become uncertain, is seeking deal with Wellington Firebirds for the 2010-11 first-class season of New Zealand.
O'Brien's three-year contract with Panthers, which he signed with the county before the start of 2009-10 season, is under threat after the county snapped up Australian opener Chris Roger as its overseas players. According to the contract
between Middlesex and the New Zealander, who is now married to an English woman, if the fast bowler could not convince the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to give him the status of England’s domestic player in the next two years of his contract, his
deal can be withdrawn anytime.
If the 34-year-old fast bowler continues to be classified as an overseas county player, he might face the tough job of seeking another English county as their lonely import.
O'Brien has hired some very good lawyers to follow his case with the England and Wales Cricket Board but is also keeping the Wellington option open. He said that if given a chance in the New Zealand’s domestic first-class season, he
would prove to the counties that he is still fit and well in form.
"I love playing for Wellington and certainly love playing cricket at home. If I get a chance to turn out for Petone-Riverside while I'm at home, then even better. I'm not ruling anything out," said the pace bowler who has been playing
for Firebirds in the past as well.
Anthony Stuart, the Wellington coach, confirmed that O'Brien has approached the franchise for a spot in the first-class squad. He further added that the management of Firebirds has discussed the prospect and if both the parties are
happy to sign the deal then the franchise would welcome the fast bowler back with open arms.
O'Brien’s 2010 season with the Middlesex Panthers was held back by an injury and the 34-year-old could play only seven of the sixteen Middlesex’s first-class matches, picking up 23 wickets at 27.30 with a season best of 8 for 105.
O'Brien's lack of bowling practice, however, did not bother the Wellington coach as such.
"He didn't play a lot of cricket this year so, from a bowling perspective, I'd say he might feel a little bit underdone. But he's a competitor and he's got a great attitude and if he made the commitment to play he'd be in 100%."
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