Allott keen to play in Indian tournament (1 Apr 1997)

From The Press - April 01, 1997

Allott keen to play in Indian tournament

Canterbury left-arm fast bowler Geoff Allott is available for the New Zealand cricket team's next assignment, a one-day series in India next month.

The 14-man squad for the four nation tournament between India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand is expected to be named this week after the Shell Trophy final and Allott wants to be considered.

A stress fracture in his lower back sidelined Allott before the first test against Sri Lanka last month after he impressed during the test and one-day series against England.

The diagnosis was for a six-week rest period, half of which Allott has completed, but he has been able to maintain a fitness programme while having stopped bowling.

The New Zealand selectors may believe it better to not include him allowing him maximum time to recover from the injury and complete a thorough build-up before the team tour's to Australia at the start of next season.

"I'm keen to get back in the team for India, but if the selectors think I should not push it then I'm comfortable with that," Allott said yesterday.

Also definitely available now is Chris Cairns who has delayed having an ankle operation until after the May tournament. The event includes a round-robin series of one-dayers followed by a best-of-three game final.

Source :: The Canterbury Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)