All-rounder prefers life in county cricket
Sean Ervine has pledged his future to Hampshire after backing out of Zimbabwe's World Cup squad.
The big-hitting all-rounder was named in the initial 30-man squad and after agreeing to return to the international fold for the first time since 2004, was named in the final 15.
But that would have rendered the 28-year-old an overseas player for county cricket purposes and spelled the end of his career at the Rose Bowl, where he has been a key figure in recent years.
And having had time to consider the impact on his personal and professional life, Ervine has made a u-turn - much to the consternation of Zimbabwe chairman of selectors Alistair Campbell.
"Zimbabwe cricket was very excited about welcoming Sean back into the setup. Unfortunately he may have realised now that international cricket is a lot harder than he remembered," said Campbell.
The big-hitting all-rounder was named in the initial 30-man squad and after agreeing to return to the international fold for the first time since 2004, was named in the final 15.
But that would have rendered the 28-year-old an overseas player for county cricket purposes and spelled the end of his career at the Rose Bowl, where he has been a key figure in recent years.
And having had time to consider the impact on his personal and professional life, Ervine has made a u-turn - much to the consternation of Zimbabwe chairman of selectors Alistair Campbell.
"Zimbabwe cricket was very excited about welcoming Sean back into the setup. Unfortunately he may have realised now that international cricket is a lot harder than he remembered," said Campbell.
Challenge
"He has lived a very comfortable life in county cricket for the last six years and he obviously decided at the last minute that maybe he was not up to the challenge of international cricket after all.
"A lot of people have gone to a lot of effort to make it happen for Sean. Although is very late in the day to change his mind, it is better than realising his mistake during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011."
Ervine had earlier described his decision as a lifestyle choice.
"After having had time to reflect on all of the circumstances, I have realised that this is not the right time to leave Hampshire," he said.
"I have a great relationship with this club and its supporters and I feel like part of a family. I feel Hampshire is my home, so much so that I am planning to get married there next year. I do not, therefore, want to be away for long periods of time."
Hampshire manager Giles White added: "We are very happy that Sean has come to this conclusion. He is an important and highly-valued cricketer who is popular with everyone associated with the Rose Bowl and central to our plans for the future."
Post a Comment