New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson has decided to opt out of the first-class format for the upcoming season in a bid to strengthen his case for a return to the side in time for the 2019 ICC World Cup.
Having seen his career derailed by multiple injuries, Anderson will be focusing on the limited-overs formats in the coming eight months as he seeks to put on the Blackcaps jersey in the showpiece event at England next year.
“I got a taste of (the World Cup) here four years ago and it was unbelievable,” Anderson told stuff.co.nz.
“To try and give myself a chance to be involved in that again, that’s the driving force.
“I really want to be in that side. I want to be in there right now. There’s still that dream and still that goal. I think it’s probably just making sure I’m doing it the right way as well. Trying to earn my place back and earn the right to be in the side. Performing at that level is the next biggest thing you have to try and achieve.”
Anderson has just returned from a Vitality Blast stint.
The all-rounder has just completed a stint with Somerset in the Vitality Blast in England as he steps up his return from a back injury he sustained last year at the end of the ICC Champions Trophy. The New Zealand man has not played any international cricket ever since. Anderson is now taking the positives from his return to competitive cricket after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
“It’s the first time I’ve got to the top of my mark and not had to be worried about if I was going to be sore or hurting in any different area. It’s given me that little bit of love back in the game, which you tend to lose sometimes when you get bummed out with injuries. It’s nice to feel like I’ve got my body back and I can get stuck into it,” he said.
“To have everything back and heading in the right direction gives your psyche a massive boost,” Anderson added.
The left-hander will now be in action soon in the UAE after being picked in the New Zealand A squad which will take on Pakistan A. A good showing in the tour matches could open the door for a New Zealand return for the all-rounder in the upcoming T20 and ODI clashes against Pakistan.