3 minute read

Adam Milne opted for a BBL stint with the Sydney Thunder, rather than domestic cricket at home in New Zealand, to bolster his bid for a T20 World Cup call-up.

Express paceman Adam Milne has turned to compatriot and long-time mentor Shane Bond as he seeks to use the BBL as a launching pad for next year's Twenty20 World Cup.

Milne was renowned as New Zealand's most exciting pace prospect but his international career stalled in recent years because of injuries; a plight that former quick Bond knows all too well.

Milne, then a teenage tearaway, formed a connection with Bond at Central Districts.

The Kiwi pair, who worked together at NZ's national team and IPL franchise Mumbai Indians, have reunited at the Sydney Thunder.

Milne was part of the Black Caps' squad that fell one victory short of winning the 2015 ODI World Cup but an ankle problem ruined his hopes of taking part in last year's edition of the tournament.

The right-armer is set to make his BBL debut against the Perth Scorchers on Tuesday, having crossed the Tasman after opting out of domestic cricket at home this season.

"That T20 World Cup still very much a goal of mine. I see this as a positive stepping stone towards that ... when Bondy gave me the call, I jumped at the chance to work with him again," Milne told AAP.

"My association (Central Districts) was really good about agreeing to terminate my contract.

"I made sure I talked to everyone around New Zealand Cricket.

"I'm definitely not turning my back on trying to play for New Zealand.

"Hopefully I do well and I'll see if I can make a push for the NZ T20 side before that World Cup."

Milne, who hasn't played international cricket since 2018, initially struggled to get answers regarding a chronic ankle injury that forced him to miss last year's World Cup and the IPL.

"It's always hard getting injuries. It's part and parcel of being a fast bowler," he said.

"But to have that extended period of time off and a recurring injury, it was quite frustrating.

"Hopefully that issue is sorted and I can get a lot of cricket under my belt."

The 28-year-old wouldn't be drawn on whether he might hit the magical 150 km/h mark this season but Bond can't wait to see his protege steaming in.

"You saw in the IPL that real fast bowlers had an impact... Adam is a hell of a good guy and a seasoned pro, who has played a lot of T20 cricket," Bond said.

"He's a really good pick up and it's great he is available for the whole season."