Wiseman plans to play on for Canterbury

Despite missing out on a New Zealand cricket contract, Paul Wiseman wants to carry on playing for Canterbury.

Wiseman turned 36 last month and is at present playing for Walden in the Bolton league, but he intends being available at provincial level next season. "I've always said if I'm enjoying it I will keep playing and I am," he told The Press. "It's not all about the money."

To prove that point, Wiseman will take a pay cut coming back to a domestic income for Canterbury and will battle with discarded New Zealand players Chris Harris and Craig McMillan for positions in the provincial side.

The emergence of Jeetan Patel has seen Wiseman gradually nudged out of national consideration as the second spin bowler supporting Daniel Vettori as and when needed. New Zealand have generally selected two spinners for overseas tours. Patel replaced Wiseman in the Test side during the recent tour to South Africa after showing good form in the ODIs.

Wiseman last played a Test against Sri Lanka nearly two years ago and in 25 test appearances took 61 wickets at 47.59. He struggled with the ball last season for Canterbury, taking just ten wickets at over 50. But he averaged almost 40 with the bat. Wiseman holds the New Zealand record for the second best innings figures ever, taking 9 for 13 against Central Districts the season before.