15 Dec 2015

Poor discipline costs former Black Cap

6:29 pm on 15 December 2015

A statement from the Northern Knights said Devcich "failed to prepare appropriately for the match."

The statement doesn't says what Devcich did, or didn't do, but he said he understands why he has been left out.

Devcich, who was in strong form throughout the Twenty20 Georgie Pie Super Smash despite carrying a hamstring injury, described it as "error in judgement."

"As a leader in this team I needed to put my preparation for the upcoming Plunket Shield match first and foremost and should have put all my focus on my rehabilitation work," he said.

Northern Knights allrounder Anton Devcich

Northern Knights allrounder Anton Devcich Photo: Photosport

"I understand why I have not been selected for the next match," said Devcich.

The Northern Districts chief executive Peter Roach said "we are disappointed Anton has let himself down....we expected a more diligent approach to his rehabilitation."

The Northern Knights will retain the services of Black Cap allrounder Corey Anderson but will be without Dean Brownlie for the Shield match.

Anderson's training and playing loads are being closely monitored by New Zealand Cricket medical staff as he plots a return from the back injury for the latter stages of the international summer.

Brownlie's recovery from a groin injury has been slower than hoped, with a return after Christmas now the most likely scenario.