Auckland Cricket Association Chief Executive, Lindsay Crocker, has today confirmed the return of Matt Horne to the State Auckland Aces team for the 2001/02 season. Horne returns to Auckland after the last five seasons playing for the State Otago Volts.

"I have really enjoyed my time playing for the State Otago Volts who have gone from strength to strength in recent seasons. Auckland has always been home though, and it will be great to be playing in a team with so much potential," Horne said.

The 30-year-old who has played twenty nine Test matches for New Zealand at an average of 30.92 including four hundreds and five fifties, will play a key batting role for the State Auckland Aces partnering Auckland Young Cricketer of the Year, Tim McIntosh at the top of the batting order.

"Matt Horne will bring a number of key qualities to the State Auckland Aces. His proven experience and willingness to offer guidance and advice to the younger players in particular, will be a significant boost to what is essentially a young team," said State Auckland Aces Coach and Convener of Selectors, Tony Sail.

"We also understand Matt's aspirations to return to the CLEAR Black Caps and will fully support him in his endeavours to do so," Sail said.

Horne has been a prolific scorer in New Zealand first-class cricket amassing 5596 runs at an average of 41.45, including 17 hundreds and 21 fifties since making his debut in the 1992/93 season.

Currently touring India with the New Zealand A team, Horne has been a key contributor in the teams path to the final of the MRF Buchi Babu tournament.

© Auckland Cricket Association