Astle has first hit after injury (27 January 1999)

27 January 1999

Astle has first hit after injury

The Christchurch Press

New Zealand batsman Nathan Astle has had his first hit since breaking a bone in a hand in the second cricket test against India last month.

Astle had the plaster off his hand yesterday and went out to Lincoln University for a brief hit.

"It felt fine, but it's still a bit stiff," he said.

He said he would not know until later in the week if there was a chance of playing for Canterbury in the home Shell Cup semi-final against Auckland on Saturday. "We'll see how it goes."

A win for Canterbury there would put it in the minor semi-final four days later.

Convener of selectors Brian McKechnie said New Zealand left-arm bowler Geoff Allott - another Canterbury man on the injured list with a hamstring strain - was having a jog yesterday.

Allott had also had a run with the team on Sunday before the Shell Cup game against Central Districts on Monday.

Injured players would require fitness tests to be considered for Saturday's game, McKechnie said. A Canterbury team practice is scheduled today.

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