A quirk in New Zealand's international programme has resulted in a rare fact - international players will be available to play for their clubs through the early part of club cricket competitions this year.

Not since the summer of 1991/92 have members of the national side had such an unbroken run of availability for their clubs.

The list of reasons for the unavailability of international players for their clubs reads: 1992 - Zimbabwe/Sri Lanka, 1993 - Australia, 1994 - South Africa, 1995 - Pakistan, 1996 - India, 1997 - Zimbabwe/Australia, 1998 - Commonwealth Games/Wills International Cup, 1999 - India, 2000 - Zimbabwe/ICC KnockOut/South Africa, 2001 - Australia.

For many clubs the connection with their internationals has been a notional one at the least.

But as TelstraClear Black Caps coach Denis Aberhart said, it was an important time for clubs as it allowed senior players to mix with their international representatives and share some playing, and social, time with them.

With Aberhart today having put the acid on his players to ensure they are well prepared for the demanding summer in front of them with a home series against India and the World Cup, there is every reason for players to make the most of chances presented to them.

Traditionally, at the start of each season New Zealand have been involved on overseas campaigns and the only time clubs have seen players is as they attempt to utilise match opportunities to recover from injuries.

However, coming as it does this year with the game's parent body, New Zealand Cricket looking to give a boost to the grass roots levels of the game, it is a timely opportunity that will engender more interest than usual in club play.

© CricInfo