Banned Vermeulen back for club

A Zimbabwean test cricketer who was banned for 10 years after going on the rampage at a match is back in action – and could make a sensational return to his Oldham club.

Mark Vermeulen, 30, was thrown out of the English game for hurling the ball at spectators while playing for Werneth at Ashton in September 2006.

Amid extraordinary scenes the all-rounder had to be wrestled to the ground. Video footage capturing him screaming and ranting.

Vermeulen’s 10-year ban was cut to three years by the Central Lancashire League. But Vermeulen returned to his native Zimbabwe and got in deeper trouble when he burned down the country’s national academy.

He faced a punishment of hard labour and 25 years in prison. But medical reports revealed his erratic behaviour had been brought on from an injury he received in 2004. While batting for Zimbabwe against India, he top edged a ball which smashed into his helmet, leaving an indent in his skull.

After hearing the reports the court cleared Vermeulen, 30, on the grounds that he had not been in control of his actions. Desperate to play for his country he then offered to donate any match fees to rebuilding the academy.

And earlier this year he made his return with a dramatic innings of 92 against Bangladesh.

A spokesman for Werneth said they were ‘delighted’ at Vermeulen’s recovery and added that they would not rule out him making a return when his ban expires next year. Vice chairman John Wilson said: “He was a lovely lad and I couldn’t be happier that this has happened. It wasn’t his fault that he was hit on the head.

“I don’t think he could come back as the paid professional but if he wanted to come back as an overseas amateur and get his head down for a year I’d welcome him.

“I’d hate to see him come back and play for someone else because knowing him he’d probably get 100 against us.” Manchester Evening News