Parore to take indefinite break from cricket

New Zealand's Test wicketkeeper for the last decade, Adam Parore, has decided to take an indefinite break from all cricket, it was announced on Thursday.

The 31-year-old, who made his Test debut against England at Edgbaston as a 19-year-old in 1990, was dropped from the New Zealand one-day team currently playing England in a five-match series.

Parore's decision to take a break will also preclude him from being considered for selection in the Test team for a three-match series due to be announced at the conclusion of the one-day series.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden, said Parore had advised NZC that he was exhausted and needed a break to refresh himself.

"Adam was disappointed not to be selected in the one-day side for the series against England," Snedden said. "However, his non-selection has given him an opportunity to reflect on his position and he has decided that he needs a break from cricket to rediscover his energy to play the game."

Snedden added that NZC was supporting Parore with his decision. "He is one of our longest-serving members of the team, having played for New Zealand in both forms of the game for more than 10 years.

"We respect his request for a break and we hope he returns stronger and fitter in due course."

This is not the first time Parore has had a break from the game.

He fell out with Glenn Turner, the New Zealand coach, during a tour of the West Indies in 1996 and left the touring side to return home early.

He was selected to keep wicket for the next summer's tour by England ahead of the wicketkeeper captain Lee Germon, but was dropped during the series and took time out at that stage.

When Germon was dumped as New Zealand captain, Parore found himself in favour under the captaincy of Stephen Fleming and coach Steve Rixon, a former Australian wicketkeeper.

He has been the number one Test 'keeper, while often struggling to maintain his one-day spot under the challenge of big-hitting Chris Nevin, who took his place in the current England series.

Parore has played 75 Tests for New Zealand for 2783 runs at an average of 26.75, with a highest score of 110 scored against Australia in Perth late last year.

He has taken 187 Test catches and seven stumpings.

In one day internationals he has played 179 matches for 3314 runs and an average of 25.68 with a highest score of 108.

He has taken 116 catches and effected 25 stumpings.

Parore's manager, Leanne McGoldrick, said Parore's decision to rest was "not a knee-jerk reaction to not being selected to play the one-dayers against England.

"He was extremely disappointed, but it brought forward his desire for a rest".

McGoldrick could not say when Parore will resume playing and the player was unavailable for further comment.

Mail Cricket Editor