He was hot property during the BLACKCAPS v Australia Chappell-Hadlee series, dominating with the bat and proving he’s got what it takes to compete against the best in the world.
His quick wit on the field also caused a sensation among the media and general public alike which eventuated in his own fan club. He was also voted by BLACKCAPS fans as being the most influential player during the ODIs and Twenty20 games.
What steps have you taken to get back into the BLACKCAPS?
I haven’t done anything specific. The selectors asked me to go away and score some runs and take some wickets for the Auckland Aces which I did and in turn I gained the MVP for the HRV Cup Twenty20 competition. Then I had some good performances in the One-Day competition.
What kept you motivated before you were selected and what was your motivation while you were in the side?
I felt I wasn’t done and still wanted to achieve a few things in international cricket. The motivation to play well is still there. I’m hoping to keep going through to the World Cup next year if my form continues.
You were the leading run scorer in the Chappell/Hadlee with 199 runs, that’s quite a feat against the Australians – what do you put that success down to?
I’ve played against the Australians many times and even though this was the first home series for me for two years, I wasn’t nervous or wondering whether I was still good enough against the best. I knew if I went out there and played as well as I could then I know I’m a good enough player to be in the BLACKCAPS. It was all about backing my ability.
In the first ODI you hit the winning runs – in a pressure situation like that how do you keep your cool?
It’s all about keeping your head. The bowlers are under pressure as well. When the game is in the balance it’s those who make the best decisions who come out on top. There was a bit of banter between Mitchell Johnson and myself but I made sure after the shenanigans I was concentrating and focusing on what I was trying to do. I was happy with maintaining an even keel in terms of emotions and thoughts.
It also seems you had a bit of a fan club at the games – it must be nice having the crowd supporting you?
Yeah it was great to have people backing you and to hear a big cheer when you come out to bat. When Mitchell Johnson came out to bat people rarked up and it’s great fun. That's what made the series – although the series was enjoyable, good things were happening off the field.
What do you think are your chances for the Twenty20 World Cup team?
I’ve learnt not to count my chickens. I’ll wait for that phone call from the selectors, but at the moment I’m enjoying a break and trying to get fit and built up to that.
So we won’t see you on the First Class scene over the next few weeks?
That’s the plan. I play First Class cricket during the Twenty20 and One-Day domestic competitions and don’t play four-dayers any more. Hopefully I can be in form for the ODIs and this gives me and opportunity to give the body a break and get fit again.
Any final words to BLACKCAPS supporters?
I guess in terms of BLACKCAPS ODI side it’s disappointing we didn’t win as we had the chances to do so. This team’s got a lot more improvements to make and we are not too far away from beating the best in the world regularly. In the next 12 months we’ll have a core group of 15-16 guys firing and winning games by themselves. It’s a pretty exciting time to be a BLACKCAPS fan.
