IT was the height of summer when Iain O'Brien left New Zealand for his second home in Derbyshire – and upon arrival here, the weather was so severe that there was some doubt about his plane being able to land.

The Kiwi Test fast bowler, like most international cricketers, is a seasoned traveller – especially since he met and married his wife Rosie, from Matlock – but here was a new experience.

It matches a new life, almost, for O'Brien, who has retired from the international game to make Derbyshire his first home and start a family with Rosie.

"I walked out of Wellington in shorts and T-shirt after watching a Twenty20 in the evening," he said.

"But when I flew in here, the flight path took me over most of the country – and it was white all over, which was a bit of a surprise.

"This is the first winter I've seen properly since 2002, so it's an adventure every time I step out of the house and there's been a bit of a wardrobe adjustment, to say the least.

"But I'm going to enjoy it. I went sledging the other day and I'm going to do a few other silly things I was always told I couldn't do when I was employed by New Zealand Cricket!"

It is O'Brien's longest break from the game for two years – but it will not last for too long.

He has signed a three-year contract to play county cricket for Middlesex – one of five counties, Derbyshire included, who were interested in the services of a bowler who, at 33, has discovered the best form of his life in the last couple of years.

But the plan to retire from international cricket was not actually a new one for O'Brien.

He had privately marked down the date – the end of the three-match December Test series at home against Pakistan – and insists he was not tempted to change his mind.

"It was a lifestyle choice as much as anything else," he said.

"I wanted to be over here, to see my wife and to start a family.

"There was no way I could spend time with Rosie and play international cricket. Even if she had moved to New Zealand, I'd still have been away with the team.

"It's a bit sad that I've walked away from Test cricket in my best form. It was going great.

"I guess – I hope – it leaves a hole – but I'm very happy with and proud of my decision.

"I was always looking forward to getting back here and I never considered changing my mind."

Much as he is enjoying the break, O'Brien admits to a little trepidation about returning to action in the spring.

"It will be the longest break I've had from cricket by the time I do get back to playing, although I'll have a gentle run about with the Middlesex boys on Tuesday," he said.

"But it will be a good break, too, because I haven't really had one in two years.

"Sometimes when you stop, it can be harder to get back into it and I'm a little bit fearful of that but I'll try to make sure I ease myself back carefully.

"I've enough about me these days to know what's to do with managing my body better and that's been a big factor in me being a better player over the last few years."

Although Middlesex are still trying to get the details confirmed, O'Brien expects to play one season as an overseas, then he will qualify as 'English' in terms of county registration.

His availability certainly aroused some interest on the county circuit.

"I had some offers once I'd announced the decision," he said.

"Perhaps four or five counties were interested and, yes, there was a chat with Derbyshire.

"It would have been ideal in terms of home – but I couldn't guarantee that I wouldn't be classed as an overseas player and they obviously already had Chris Rogers as captain.

"Middlesex was the offer that worked out best.

"I hated London when I first came here in 2001 but I've got more used to it since.

"I'm certainly looking forward to playing cricket at Lord's and the signings they're making suggest we could do well."