Refreshed Parore keen to face England

New Zealand wicketkeeper Adam Parore has said the past month away from cricket had rejuvenated his desire to play.

Parore told New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden and the chairman of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee on Tuesday he was fully committed to playing in the tests against England, starting in Christchurch on March 13.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, a veteran of 75 tests for New Zealand, announced last month he was taking an indefinite break from cricket because of exhaustion.

At the time, it was unsure whether Parore meant he was not to be considered for the three tests against England after he had been dropped from the one-day team to face the tourists.

However, Parore said he was keen to play in the test series, but was not going to play for his provincial side, Auckland.

Hadlee had indicated Parore's test place might have been in jeopardy because he would have had a break from the game for a month.

Snedden stepped into the debate and asked Parore to meet him at the Christchurch head office of NZC to "satisfy myself about Adam Parore's commitment to test cricket".

In a statement after Tuesday's meeting, Parore said: "I was feeling exhausted after the Australian series and was planning a break after the England tests.

"When I was left out of the one-day side I wanted to bring the break forward and I am grateful that New Zealand Cricket supported this decision.

"I am now fully refreshed and it was very useful to meet face-to-face with Sir Richard and Martin and to tell them that I am 100 per cent committed to a return for the England tests."

Hadlee also said it was helpful to speak directly to Parore and he was assured of the player's commitment and fitness as a result.

He said that would be reassuring to the selection panel.

The first test team will be named on Friday, with Parore's name expected to appear at least second on the list, after skipper Stephen Fleming.

Mail Cricket Editor