Being a top international sports star does have its problems and getting extra leave from the bosses is one of them. As Steve Elworthy has already discovered there are problems involved, although they have been understanding. For the second time in nine months the Northerns fast bowler has been the selectors late replacement choice for South African touring teams overseas.

Last year he was a replacement for Roger Telemachus who injured his right shoulder at the start of tour of England. Now David Terbrugge's ankle injury has seen Peter Pollock's national panel include the swing bowler known as ``Shotsie'' in the 16-man touring part for New Zealand.

Not that his inclusion for the tour Down Under came as a surprise. The selectors, as is their habit, had initially left Elworthy out of the touring party, their argument being as the extra paceman he would not play too many games. Preferably, the suggested, he would get more match practice by playing for Northerns in the domestic matches: far better for the World Cup build up.

Which is okay if you do not have two bosses. Apart from being employed by the UCB, Eskom also have an interest in their engineer's world travels. With his kit bag carrying exotic air carrier logos from England, Malaysia, Bangladesh and now New Zealand, and all in a matter of nine months, little wonder the bosses will again be asked to extend his current leave until the end of the World Cup on June 20.

As Elworthy heads for New Zealand on Tuesday, he has one day in the office to sort out an extended ``leave without pay'' arrangements. They have been understanding and their attitude has also kept South Africa with a third or fourth seamer option. At this stage they prefer Elworthy as a limited overs international player in rotation possibly interchanging with Allan Donald or Lance Klusener.

``A tour of New Zealand at least gives me a chance to play another Test or two,'' Elworthy said yesterday. ``The selectors have opened the door for me again and I hope to get another test cap or two.''

Not all a bad deal for someone of whom it was said 14 months ago did not have a future as an international player.