Kolkata keep close watch on Cameron

Mark Cameron, the New South Wales fast bowler, could join Shane Warne as a player-coach in the Indian Premier League, with Kolkata Knight Riders interested in procuring his services. Matthew Mott, a coach with New South Wales and Kolkata, has spoken with the franchise's executives about the possibility of recruiting Cameron for the forthcoming season.

Cameron, who has played 11 first-class games and six Twenty20s, has been a strong contributor for the Blues in recent seasons, helping not only with the ball but also in a coaching capacity. He has developed a system that allows coaches to monitor player workload, which has proven successful at state and national level in Australia.

Mott was hopeful of employing Cameron for both his bowling and coaching abilities. "I have left it with [Kolkata], but I think he could do a great job as both a player and a coach," Mott said. "I have told people what I think, but have stayed away from the negotiations."

A potential sticking point to Cameron's proposed move to the IPL is a back injury sustained during New South Wales' Sheffield Shield victory over Tasmania. Cameron, 28, bowled with the assistance of painkillers to collect five wickets for the match, and will undergo scans this week to determine the severity of the injury.

Mott has been active in scouting Australian talent for Kolkata this season. He played a significant role in the Knight Riders' signing of the young allrounder Moises Henriques for a contract worth up to $US300,000.