CHRISTCHURCH, Feb 21: Former rugby All Black Jeff Wilson will return to international cricket for the first time in 12 years on Tuesday when he takes the field against Australia.
Wilson gets his chance in the second of five One-day Internationals against the world's top side after New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris was ruled out with a knee injury. Styris has suffered in recent weeks with bruising to the bone on his left knee, and after soreness at training Monday.
Wilson will be picking up where he left off after playing four One-day Internationals against Australia in 1993 before embarking on a glittering decade-long All Black rugby career.
He is being rewarded for a promising return for New Zealand against a World XI side last month in a series to raise funds for tsunami relief. The games did not have full international status.
Fleming rued his side's failure to finish the job on the sluggish Wellington pitch on Saturday. Chasing 237 to win, the Kiwis appeared to be well on track with 13 runs needed off 13 balls with three wickets in hand.
Man of the match Glenn McGrath and speedster Brett Lee skittled New Zealand's tailenders to give the tourists the first round of the series and their ninth victory in the past 10 clashes against New Zealand. For Australia, batsman Mike Hussey and pace man Jason Gillespie replace Simon Katich and Michael Kasprowicz on Tuesday. -AFP
