New Zealand pacer Adam Milne moves to Wellington ending 11-year-old association with CD

New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne has switched his domestic allegiance to Wellington, ending his 11-year-old association with Central Districts. For Wellington, Adam Milne's addition boosts their pace attack, with Hamish Bennett leaving a void after announcing his retirement from all formats at the end of last season. 

Speaking after signing for Wellington, Adam Milne, who has not participated in a red-ball cricket match since October of 2018, said that he could return to action in the long format but will take it slowly, with his priority being white-ball cricket. 

"We've talked about red-ball cricket," Milne said. "Obviously I haven't played for a while, but I certainly haven't binned it off. It will be a 'see how the body's going through pre-season [prospect]'. Obviously I've got a trip away with the New Zealand stuff coming up. The white ball is probably the most important at this stage, but if the body's feeling good and I'm injury-free, there's no reason why I can't play any red ball cricket."

The Wellington Firebirds also signed domestic batter Nick Kelly from Otago and Luke Ian Georgeson from Ireland. 

In other updates, Auckland handed all-rounder Simon Keene his first domestic contract after the medium pacer bagged 25 wickets in five first-class matches.

Meanwhile, Central Districts have brought in Brett Randell from Northern Districts to fill the void left by Adam Milne's departure. In addition, New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi has switched from Northern Districts to play for Canterbury.