24 Dec 2015

Milne ready to spearhead Black Caps attack

12:05 pm on 24 December 2015

The Black Caps fast bowler Adam Milne says he's coming to grips with how to manage his body after another year blighted by injury.

Milne is back to spearhead the Black Caps bowling attack for the limited overs series against Sri Lanka having been passed fit after a stint in domestic cricket.

"It's learning that you can't bowl 150 (kph) plus every ball, every game, so it's learning to manage the times you bowl quick and manage how you train as well. If you're trying to go flat out every day 24/7 then it's not going to work out," Milne said.

"I'm always learning about my body and learning how to cope with the different scenarios and how to bowl fast which is what I want to do, and I won't be changing that," he said.

Milne has been playing on the domestic scene for Central Districts but is unsure just how fast he is bowling at present, though he estimates he's hitting the 140kph mark and maybe higher.

"It's always hard to tell in domestic cricket with no speed radar but as far as my rhythm goes I'm feeling pretty good and it's coming out pretty nicely so I guess we will find out."

The first match of the series is in Christchurch on Saturday.

With Tim Southee and Trent Boult being rested, Milne will have to take on further responsibility.

"I've played games without Timmy and Boulty and they're obviously world class bowlers and its good to have them in the side but at the same time it's a good opportunity to prove myself as a spearhead or leader of the bowling attack," said Milne.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs

We have regular online commentary of local and international sport.