Tuffey turns down Auckland deal

Daryl Tuffey, the New Zealand fast bowler, has declined a contract with Auckland for 2007-08, instead choosing to play a full season of club cricket in Sydney. Tuffey was getting some early-season form under his belt at the Sutherland club, where Steve Rixon is the coach, and has decided to stay.

"I was really looking forward to playing for Auckland but I've had to change plans for a number of reasons and I'm enjoying playing grade cricket in Sydney at present," Tuffey told NZPA. "I do hope at some stage to return to New Zealand and if I do I would love to be part of the Auckland team."

Once a regular in the New Zealand side, Tuffey spent two years out of international cricket before his surprise recall for the Chappell-Hadlee matches in February. Although he looked rusty, he was sent to the World Cup in the Caribbean where he managed only one game before returning home with a shoulder injury.

Tuffey, 29, missed a place on New Zealand's national contract list in May. His decision is the latest in a series of high-profile departures from New Zealand's domestic cricket, with Hamish Marshall opting to pursue his career in county cricket and Chris Harris turning down a Cantebury contract so he could join the Indian Cricket League.

Tuffey has played his entire first-class career with Northern Districts, however in June he announced he was switching to Auckland for the coming season. "Initial indications were positive but no formal contract was ever entered into and Daryl has now decided that he wishes to remain as a free agent," Auckland Cricket's chief executive Andrew Eade said. "We are disappointed to lose his services but wish him well for the future."