The long inevitable Black Caps debut of Devon Conway is finally on its way.
Devon Conway at Basin Reserve, Wellington. Photo: Barry Guy/RNZ
Having become eligible for New Zealand selection in August, the South African batsman was named on Tuesday in the Black Caps T20 squad for three upcoming matches against the West Indies.
The news was no surprise to anyone who has watched Conway dominate domestic cricket for Wellington over the past two seasons.
New Zealand domestic player of the year the past two seasons, topscorer in all three formats last season - the runs and accolades have been flowing.
Many saw him as an obvious choice, but Conway said he had steered clear of that line of thinking.
"You never take selection for granted. You just always want to make sure that you're giving yourself the best chance of getting selected.
"If you're putting the results on the board, things might go your way, things might not so you ride the wave for as long as possible.
"Luckily the T20 call-up has come my way and I'm really grateful for that."
South African players like Grant Elliott and Neil Wagner had certainly made their contribution to Black Caps success in recent years.
Conway hoped to do the same.
Devon Conway slashes through point against Auckland. Photo: photosport.NZ
The 29-year-old was delighted he and partner Kim's decision to move half way across the world a little more than three years ago would now allow him to realise his international cricket dream.
"It was an early start this morning. The phone was going off at like 5am and woke me up a little bit but it was good just to have the support from my family and friends.
"I'm glad that they are still watching closely and supporting from a distance and it's good to have their backing and support, it means the world to me."
The call-up, though, did not include being part of the test squad to face the West Indies.
Conway was fresh off hitting 157 in a Plunket Shield match for Wellington against Auckland on Monday, while last season he made a mammoth 327 not out against Canterbury on his way to a red-ball average of almost 90.
Black Caps coach Gary Stead said it was a tough call, but they opted to go with the incumbent back-up batsman for the test squad.
"With the test selection there was a lot of discussion around Devon as well, in that position with Will Young.
"In the end, Will has done nothing wrong for us and hasn't played a test so it's really similar type situations."
New Black Cap Devon Conway. Photo: Photosport
Kyle Jamieson was the other player named to make his international T20 debut against the West Indies.
The Auckland fast bowler was bowling to Conway as he racked yet is 18th first-class hundred on Monday, and said his record couldn't be ignored.
"His numbers are so compelling that he's earned his spot.
"Certainly he's been one of the toughest guys to bowl to around the circuit and we've found that out over the last couple of days."
All that remained now was for Conway to transfer his immense domestic success to the international level.
But the laid-back left-hander wasn't overthinking it.
"It's just another game of cricket. You've just got to adjust to whatever's put in front of you and bat accordingly.
"It's just about absorbing that pressure and enjoying the moment while I'm out there."
The first of three T20s against the West Indies was next Friday in Auckland, with Tim Southee stepping in as skipper as Kane Williamson and Trent Boult were rested to prepare for the two tests.
Williamson, Boult and the other Black Caps who played in the Indian Premier League had their first training on Tuesday since returning, and were scheduled to leave managed isolation in Christchurch on the eve of the first T20.
