On the eve of the winner-take-all third Test against Pakistan, new BLACKCAPS opener BJ Watling faces the added pressure of making his Test debut in the must-win match.
But the 24-year old Northern Knights batsman is unfazed by the prospect, saying he’s looking forward to the experience. “I just want to go out there and give my best,” says Watling.
Playing for the BLACKCAPS is the ultimate achievement for the South Africa-born opener, who has been dreaming of wearing New Zealand colours ever since starting his cricket here at an early age.
“Since I was young I’ve always dreamed of playing for my country – what a great honour it will be.
“When I was young, playing in Tokoroa, I started dreaming about it then, and gradually made it through the grades. Once I made the Northern side it became a reality.”
Watling’s focus leading up to the Test has been on his own game – and he comes into the BLACKCAPS squad after a great start to the domestic season, including scores of 90 and 136 in the latest Plunket Shield matches.
“I feel good at the crease – I’m moving well and feeling confident. I’m working on playing the ball late, and having good positive intent with my feet.
Watling is certainly not overawed by the prospect of facing an in-form Pakistani attack, and says it helps that he’s had opportunities recently to see them first-hand.
“I went to Dubai and played a couple of Twenty20s against them so I know what they’re like. That was good experience coming into this match.”
He’s also looking forward to playing on the Napier wicket, which has traditionally helped batsmen compile substantial innings.
“I’ve played here a couple of times and got a couple of fifties, but never cashed in. So what a great chance to cash in this game.”
The BLACKCAPS and Pakistan are one-all in the Test series going into the Napier decider, after the home side took the honours in Dunedin before Pakistan came back to draw even in Wellington.
The third Test starts on Friday at McLean Park in Napier.
