Wilson's return

I suspect Tama Canning is set for disappointment. Before the World XI games he looked to be first choice of the rank for the role of New Zealand's bowling all-rounder. Andre Adams had drifted out of the picture after some indifferent form and no-one else really seemed to be on the horizon. The came the tsunami, the cancellation of genuine one-dayers and the chance for the selectors to experiment. And it was a chance that Jeff Wilson took with both hands. If we are honest he is not an exceptional bowler, but against the World XI he did three things very well - he bowled at a nippy pace (touching 140kmph), he got bounce by bowling into the pitch and he bowled very straight.

Not only did Wilson do well enough to stamp his name on the role, but Andre Adams suddenly hit form for Auckland - taking 4-93 and 6-25 against Wellington in the State Championship. Adams is currently out of cricket due to a virus, but with Canning suddenly anonymous (he didn't take a wicket against Wellington and scored 4 and 8 not out) he is still looking the best bet to be Wilson's back-up.