Napier heads for Napier

Graham Napier played for Central Districts' rivals Wellington during the last two English winters

Essex all-rounder Graham Napier is to play in New Zealand for the third consecutive winter, this time for Central Districts following two stints with rivals Wellington.

The 29-year-old will play home matches at McLean Park, Napier, besides grounds in New Plymouth, Palmerstone North and Nelson.

Napier, who was in the England squad for the World Twenty20 earlier this year, is hoping the move will help keep him in the international picture by playing in New Zealand’s domestic 50-over and 20-over competitions.

He said: “I’m not in the frame right now but am determined to keep going out to play and maintain a good level of performance with the intention of making it to the highest level at some point.

“It’s a great bonus for me to be wanted by an overseas team during the winter because it gives a feeling of being wanted and good enough to perform at that level.”

Central Districts, whom Napier will join in late December, are coached by former England all-rounder Dermot Reeve.

Napier added: “I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity by Central Districts and am looking forward to playing under Dermot Reeve.

“There is also the exciting prospect of playing alongside Jacob Oram and Ross Taylor – both of whom are prominent international players in all forms of the game – who will be available for the Twenty20 matches.”

Napier will leave for New Zealand on December 26, following a three-month break from the game once the English season ends. During that time he will be taking part in the Three-peaks challenge to raise money for the PCA Benevolent Fund.