Horne returns to Auckland base

New Zealand opening batsman Matthew Horne has ended his five-year connection with Otago and will return to Auckland to play his provincial cricket this summer.

Horne, who is in India with the New Zealand A team at the Buchi Babu tournament, made his first-class debut with Auckland in the 1992/93 season.

"I have really enjoyed my time playing for the State Otago Volts who have gone from strength to strength in recent seasons. Auckland has always been home though, and it will be great to be playing in a team with so much potential," Horne said.

Horne captained Otago last year while recovering from a broken hand suffered in Zimbabwe with the New Zealand team. But he was only able to play one home Test last year, against Zimbabwe, before suffering a viral problem.

Selected for the New Zealand A team to India, Horne celebrated his return with a century in his first innings.

Now 30, Horne has played 29 Tests and is likely to be in action with the CLEAR Black Caps again this year. However, when he is available for Auckland he will form a strong alliance with the State Auckland Ace's young cricketer of the year last year Tim McIntosh.

Auckland coach and selection convener Tony Sail said: "Matt Horne will bring a number of key qualities to the State Auckland Aces. His proven experience and willingness to offer guidance and advice to the younger players in particular, will be a significant boost to what is essentially a young team."

"We also understand Matt's aspirations to return to the CLEAR Black Caps and will fully support him in his endeavours to do so," Sail said.

Horne has been a prolific scorer in New Zealand first-class cricket amassing 5596 runs at an average of 41.45, including 17 hundreds and 21 fifties since making his debut in the 1992/93 season.