Essex's Ronnie Irani finally shed off the effects of chicken pox to blast New Zealand A aside in England A's recent one day international.

The tour had offered the engaging Essex all-rounder little scope to enhance his claims for full England recognition.

Irani had been offered only three chances to bat in the two month tour but smacked 62 runs from only 65 deliveries as he piloted his side to victory.

That had seemed unlikely when England A were 84 for five before Irani took control allowing the tourists to close their innings on 213 for seven from their allotted 50 overs.

He then turned his attentions to bowling exploits by breaking an opening partnership of 40 with his first delivery and then claiming two wickets late in the innings to complete the New Zealand downfall by nine runs.

Irani said: "I haven't played much on this tour but that's part of touring cricket. I've felt good in net practice but that counts for nothing although it's always important to feel in good nick.

"I was determined to achieve well with both bat and the ball in this match and that's what I've done.

''I had a horrific time suffering with chicken pox and I did contemplate the prospect of returning home. But now I'm enjoying playing and was really psyched up for this game."

Meanwhile, as former Essex wicketkeeper Robert Rollins bows out of the game due to injury, his brother Adrian has decided to switch his allegiance and join the mass exodus away from Derbyshire by joining Northamptonshire.

Ronnie Irani.

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