1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,387 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:11,507 Speaker 1: from News Talks. 3 00:00:11,587 --> 00:00:15,507 Speaker 2: Edb keeper batsman Mitch Hay in the second Test against 4 00:00:15,547 --> 00:00:18,027 Speaker 2: the West Indies in Wellington, and. 5 00:00:18,067 --> 00:00:20,467 Speaker 3: On the poll shot goes Hey out to the boundary. 6 00:00:20,467 --> 00:00:23,347 Speaker 4: This could run away before it does, but sure. 7 00:00:23,147 --> 00:00:23,907 Speaker 5: Hey brings up. 8 00:00:24,467 --> 00:00:29,707 Speaker 3: There's fifty on Test day Boot, fifty two runs of 9 00:00:29,787 --> 00:00:31,187 Speaker 3: seventy four balls. 10 00:00:30,787 --> 00:00:34,307 Speaker 2: Well vetted, well vetted. Indeed, Mitch Hay becoming just the 11 00:00:34,347 --> 00:00:36,907 Speaker 2: fourth wicket keeper to score a half century on Test 12 00:00:36,947 --> 00:00:40,427 Speaker 2: Daboo top scoring in the black Caps innings with sixty one, 13 00:00:40,587 --> 00:00:44,947 Speaker 2: also producing a very tidy display behind the stumps as 14 00:00:45,147 --> 00:00:49,347 Speaker 2: New Zealand claimed a nine wicket win well inside three days. 15 00:00:49,387 --> 00:00:52,747 Speaker 2: Mitchy is with us. Mitch, congratulations on your test, da boo. 16 00:00:52,867 --> 00:00:56,747 Speaker 2: The Test started on Wednesday. So when did you find 17 00:00:56,787 --> 00:00:58,387 Speaker 2: out that you would be debuting? 18 00:00:59,227 --> 00:01:02,387 Speaker 3: Yeah, thank you. I found it on Tuesday morning. Yeah, 19 00:01:02,507 --> 00:01:05,467 Speaker 3: day before the game. Just got to re tap on 20 00:01:05,467 --> 00:01:07,507 Speaker 3: the shoulder from Rob's own that I was in for 21 00:01:07,707 --> 00:01:10,827 Speaker 3: for the next day. So that was obviously very exciting 22 00:01:11,427 --> 00:01:14,387 Speaker 3: and that's when the nerves really started to go to work. 23 00:01:14,787 --> 00:01:17,547 Speaker 2: You'd already dayboot, of course for New Zealand and T 24 00:01:17,667 --> 00:01:21,267 Speaker 2: twenty cricket. You've played seven ODIs, twelve T twenties now 25 00:01:21,347 --> 00:01:23,227 Speaker 2: for the Black Caps. Were you still though a bit 26 00:01:23,307 --> 00:01:25,467 Speaker 2: nervous ahead of your Test A boot. 27 00:01:26,707 --> 00:01:27,347 Speaker 6: Yeah, definitely. 28 00:01:27,387 --> 00:01:31,187 Speaker 3: I think Test create just being sort of the pinnacle 29 00:01:31,307 --> 00:01:35,027 Speaker 3: and it's the format I've sort of been striving for 30 00:01:34,747 --> 00:01:37,827 Speaker 3: for such a long time, so so you know, get 31 00:01:37,867 --> 00:01:40,347 Speaker 3: the the opportunity to day be in that format was 32 00:01:40,347 --> 00:01:42,827 Speaker 3: pretty special. And I think just for how much like 33 00:01:42,867 --> 00:01:45,227 Speaker 3: Test cret means to eveyone in New Zarnd and round 34 00:01:45,267 --> 00:01:47,827 Speaker 3: the world and me personally, I think that just culminated 35 00:01:47,867 --> 00:01:49,987 Speaker 3: to a few nerves, but that's all part of it. 36 00:01:50,107 --> 00:01:52,667 Speaker 2: So we get to the first day and Tom Latham 37 00:01:52,667 --> 00:01:54,747 Speaker 2: wins the toss and you're in the field. So did 38 00:01:54,787 --> 00:01:57,427 Speaker 2: it help as a wicket keeper to bowl first and 39 00:01:57,427 --> 00:01:59,387 Speaker 2: get out there immediately on the first morning. 40 00:02:00,227 --> 00:02:03,227 Speaker 6: Yeah, I was hoping we would be fielding first. 41 00:02:03,987 --> 00:02:06,667 Speaker 3: I was, yeah, pretty excited to get out this away 42 00:02:06,707 --> 00:02:07,587 Speaker 3: and get into my work. 43 00:02:07,667 --> 00:02:10,707 Speaker 6: So I took a few balls for the first ball 44 00:02:10,747 --> 00:02:11,547 Speaker 6: to sort of come through to me. 45 00:02:11,627 --> 00:02:13,467 Speaker 3: But once that did, when in the middle of the gloves, 46 00:02:13,507 --> 00:02:14,867 Speaker 3: I thought, you know, we're going to be okay here 47 00:02:14,907 --> 00:02:17,307 Speaker 3: so from there I could get into my work and 48 00:02:17,347 --> 00:02:18,627 Speaker 3: it was really enjoyable. 49 00:02:18,667 --> 00:02:20,907 Speaker 2: So when you reflect on the two innings, the two 50 00:02:20,947 --> 00:02:23,587 Speaker 2: complete innings at the base and how happy were you 51 00:02:23,667 --> 00:02:25,387 Speaker 2: overall with your wicket keeping. 52 00:02:26,427 --> 00:02:27,547 Speaker 6: Yeah, no, I was really happy. 53 00:02:28,187 --> 00:02:31,827 Speaker 3: I think, you know, standards throughout the two four innings 54 00:02:31,827 --> 00:02:34,467 Speaker 3: were really good, really high. And that's something I always 55 00:02:34,467 --> 00:02:37,147 Speaker 3: prided myself on, is all keeping, and I put a 56 00:02:37,187 --> 00:02:39,707 Speaker 3: lot of time, what effort into it to be as 57 00:02:39,747 --> 00:02:41,627 Speaker 3: good as I can be. So to see it stand 58 00:02:41,707 --> 00:02:43,627 Speaker 3: up in a Test match was really cool. 59 00:02:43,787 --> 00:02:45,587 Speaker 2: And you shared your debut of course with one of 60 00:02:45,587 --> 00:02:48,427 Speaker 2: your Cannibury teammates, Michael Ray, combined for a couple of 61 00:02:48,427 --> 00:02:51,467 Speaker 2: wickets called Hey Bold Ray. How special was that for 62 00:02:51,507 --> 00:02:51,987 Speaker 2: the two of you? 63 00:02:53,067 --> 00:02:53,947 Speaker 6: Yeah, it was really cool. 64 00:02:53,987 --> 00:02:55,587 Speaker 3: It was really nice to sort of have someone else 65 00:02:55,627 --> 00:02:58,507 Speaker 3: going through similar sort of emotions and stuff throughout the 66 00:02:59,227 --> 00:03:00,867 Speaker 3: Test match, and it was really cool to share that 67 00:03:00,987 --> 00:03:03,627 Speaker 3: milestone with him. And it was just really impressive to 68 00:03:03,627 --> 00:03:06,747 Speaker 3: see him go about his work and how much it 69 00:03:06,827 --> 00:03:09,867 Speaker 3: out there. It was just really energizing his spells and 70 00:03:10,787 --> 00:03:12,467 Speaker 3: was really cool to see him get some rewards. 71 00:03:12,827 --> 00:03:16,307 Speaker 2: I know wicket keepers have a particular role in terms 72 00:03:16,347 --> 00:03:20,027 Speaker 2: of keeping the energy high within a playing group, even 73 00:03:20,067 --> 00:03:22,587 Speaker 2: on debut, Mitch, did you feel that you were able 74 00:03:22,667 --> 00:03:26,667 Speaker 2: to do that, you know, to bring some energy even 75 00:03:26,667 --> 00:03:29,147 Speaker 2: though you know you were playing your first Test match? 76 00:03:30,347 --> 00:03:30,947 Speaker 6: Yeah, I think so. 77 00:03:31,067 --> 00:03:32,667 Speaker 3: I think like a couple of things help with that, 78 00:03:32,707 --> 00:03:35,667 Speaker 3: as obviously I play with almost all the guys before, 79 00:03:37,187 --> 00:03:40,627 Speaker 3: which helps, but also I think just having that just 80 00:03:40,667 --> 00:03:43,467 Speaker 3: genuine excitement out there myself would have rubbed off on others. 81 00:03:43,507 --> 00:03:45,987 Speaker 3: But there's also stuff just around getting to the stumps 82 00:03:45,987 --> 00:03:47,827 Speaker 3: each bog and throws back in from the field, which 83 00:03:47,827 --> 00:03:48,547 Speaker 3: I think lifts. 84 00:03:48,347 --> 00:03:50,427 Speaker 6: Everyone and keeps the stand is really high. 85 00:03:50,467 --> 00:03:52,587 Speaker 3: So that was something I tried to pride myself on 86 00:03:52,827 --> 00:03:55,707 Speaker 3: and keep constant throughout the beginnings. 87 00:03:55,467 --> 00:03:59,307 Speaker 2: All right to the batting innings, then going along quite nicely. 88 00:03:59,347 --> 00:04:01,587 Speaker 2: At one seventeen for two, all of a sudden a 89 00:04:01,667 --> 00:04:04,707 Speaker 2: couple of quick wickets one seventeen for four and you're in. 90 00:04:04,787 --> 00:04:07,347 Speaker 2: You walk out to join our or Mitchell. So what 91 00:04:07,427 --> 00:04:10,107 Speaker 2: sort of initial conversations are you having at that point? 92 00:04:11,347 --> 00:04:14,867 Speaker 3: Yeah, me and Darrell battered a bit together, so you know, 93 00:04:14,907 --> 00:04:16,867 Speaker 3: he was just pretty calm out there, and I guess 94 00:04:17,147 --> 00:04:20,147 Speaker 3: the game situation in a way in rebul cricket doesn't 95 00:04:20,187 --> 00:04:22,067 Speaker 3: dictate too much how you bat. You know, I'm going 96 00:04:22,107 --> 00:04:25,107 Speaker 3: to follow my game plan pretty similarly whether we're going 97 00:04:25,147 --> 00:04:27,587 Speaker 3: really well or not so well. So we were just 98 00:04:27,907 --> 00:04:30,867 Speaker 3: pretty clear in our game plans and trying to trying 99 00:04:30,867 --> 00:04:33,027 Speaker 3: to build a partnership together and work together and keep 100 00:04:33,027 --> 00:04:35,147 Speaker 3: our communication nice and higher so we keep each other 101 00:04:35,147 --> 00:04:37,627 Speaker 3: accountable and nice and calm. And that was the cool 102 00:04:37,627 --> 00:04:39,027 Speaker 3: thing that we're able to build a bit of a 103 00:04:39,027 --> 00:04:42,667 Speaker 3: partnership and work towards sort of climbing into that deficit. 104 00:04:42,987 --> 00:04:45,227 Speaker 2: I know the formats are very different, but how much 105 00:04:45,267 --> 00:04:48,707 Speaker 2: does your red ball batting game plan differ from when 106 00:04:48,747 --> 00:04:51,147 Speaker 2: you're playing and batting in white ball cricket. 107 00:04:52,547 --> 00:04:54,627 Speaker 3: Well, I think the cool thing about RedBull cricket is 108 00:04:54,707 --> 00:04:57,107 Speaker 3: almost every time I go on bat, I can play 109 00:04:57,147 --> 00:04:59,907 Speaker 3: the same way that I want to, and I can 110 00:04:59,907 --> 00:05:01,827 Speaker 3: be really select with bout balls I want to score. 111 00:05:01,627 --> 00:05:03,867 Speaker 6: Off, and I think sometimes in white. 112 00:05:03,667 --> 00:05:06,627 Speaker 3: Bull cricket, batting in the lower to mid order sort 113 00:05:06,667 --> 00:05:08,387 Speaker 3: of dictated to about how you have to play. 114 00:05:08,947 --> 00:05:11,147 Speaker 6: So I think it's really nice. 115 00:05:11,107 --> 00:05:13,267 Speaker 3: I've been able to have a pretty consistent game plan 116 00:05:13,667 --> 00:05:16,667 Speaker 3: that I've been able to sort of learn and trust 117 00:05:16,667 --> 00:05:19,027 Speaker 3: after my first class games for Canterbury and New Zealand 118 00:05:19,107 --> 00:05:22,547 Speaker 3: and stuff, so it's just yeah, it's just simplified, I 119 00:05:22,547 --> 00:05:24,387 Speaker 3: think compared to the white ball game plans. 120 00:05:24,427 --> 00:05:26,187 Speaker 2: And did you feel pretty comfortable straight I mean it 121 00:05:26,187 --> 00:05:28,187 Speaker 2: looked like it. Did you feel pretty comfortable straight away 122 00:05:28,187 --> 00:05:29,027 Speaker 2: out there with the bat? 123 00:05:30,107 --> 00:05:30,307 Speaker 3: Yeah? 124 00:05:30,347 --> 00:05:31,547 Speaker 6: I think once I got off the mark, I felt 125 00:05:31,547 --> 00:05:32,387 Speaker 6: a bit more comfortable. 126 00:05:32,627 --> 00:05:32,867 Speaker 2: True. 127 00:05:33,667 --> 00:05:35,387 Speaker 6: Yeah, that second ball was nice. 128 00:05:35,507 --> 00:05:37,787 Speaker 3: It's a sneak ay single and I think the heart 129 00:05:37,827 --> 00:05:40,267 Speaker 3: rate dropped a bit after that, so yeah, I think 130 00:05:40,307 --> 00:05:43,427 Speaker 3: once I got through that, I was pretty calm. Pretty yeah, 131 00:05:43,427 --> 00:05:45,547 Speaker 3: I'm pretty confident that that I could do a job 132 00:05:45,587 --> 00:05:46,187 Speaker 3: out there, which was. 133 00:05:46,187 --> 00:05:48,987 Speaker 2: Cool and a fifty on test day but terrific stuff. 134 00:05:48,987 --> 00:05:50,667 Speaker 2: I saw some lovely foot of Gymum and dad up 135 00:05:50,667 --> 00:05:52,907 Speaker 2: in the ra van stand when you brought your fifty up. 136 00:05:52,907 --> 00:05:55,067 Speaker 2: How special a moment was it to have them there 137 00:05:55,107 --> 00:05:56,507 Speaker 2: to you know, to watch on. 138 00:05:57,427 --> 00:05:58,347 Speaker 6: Yeah, it was really cool. 139 00:05:58,547 --> 00:06:00,867 Speaker 3: They are were there every day, so it was great 140 00:06:00,907 --> 00:06:03,187 Speaker 3: to be able to share it with them. They've been 141 00:06:03,187 --> 00:06:05,827 Speaker 3: massive supporters of me and I couldn't thank them enough 142 00:06:05,827 --> 00:06:07,627 Speaker 3: for how much they given me growing up, So it 143 00:06:07,707 --> 00:06:10,427 Speaker 3: was really cool that they could be there to experience 144 00:06:10,427 --> 00:06:12,307 Speaker 3: it with me, I guess, and he has a really 145 00:06:12,307 --> 00:06:14,587 Speaker 3: cool but a footage that was captured wasn't it. 146 00:06:14,667 --> 00:06:16,227 Speaker 2: Were you but goutt to get out when you did 147 00:06:16,267 --> 00:06:18,067 Speaker 2: couple of polls for four but then caught in the 148 00:06:18,107 --> 00:06:19,147 Speaker 2: deep trying for another one. 149 00:06:20,267 --> 00:06:23,907 Speaker 3: Yeah, yeah, no, definitely. I wasn't happy. Yeah, it's one 150 00:06:23,907 --> 00:06:27,587 Speaker 3: of those things. I had a plan to keep it 151 00:06:27,627 --> 00:06:29,507 Speaker 3: down and then I actually couldn't hit that ball much 152 00:06:29,547 --> 00:06:31,467 Speaker 3: better and just ended up being too flat straight to 153 00:06:31,507 --> 00:06:34,347 Speaker 3: the guy. So yeah, pull SHOT's obviously a strength of mind, 154 00:06:34,347 --> 00:06:37,147 Speaker 3: but can also you know, get me out sometimes, which 155 00:06:37,187 --> 00:06:38,947 Speaker 3: is just part of the game. But here it was 156 00:06:38,947 --> 00:06:40,667 Speaker 3: a frustrating time to get out because I think me 157 00:06:40,707 --> 00:06:43,867 Speaker 3: and Glen could built something pretty big there. But yeah, 158 00:06:43,907 --> 00:06:45,827 Speaker 3: that's cricket. I guess you're going to get out eventually. 159 00:06:45,867 --> 00:06:47,587 Speaker 3: It's just yeah, I could live with it if I'm 160 00:06:47,587 --> 00:06:48,467 Speaker 3: playing to my strengths. 161 00:06:48,587 --> 00:06:51,907 Speaker 2: Well in the end, it didn't matter. A comfortable, comprehensive 162 00:06:51,947 --> 00:06:55,867 Speaker 2: win win within three days. So it sounds as though 163 00:06:55,867 --> 00:06:58,267 Speaker 2: Tom Blundle may return from injury for the Third Test, 164 00:06:58,307 --> 00:07:01,307 Speaker 2: starting on Thursday at bay Oval. Do you feel, though 165 00:07:01,427 --> 00:07:03,707 Speaker 2: much as though you've done all you can to you know, 166 00:07:03,787 --> 00:07:05,587 Speaker 2: to make the selectors make a decision. 167 00:07:07,987 --> 00:07:10,907 Speaker 3: Yeah, I guess that was my plan, just to go 168 00:07:10,947 --> 00:07:12,867 Speaker 3: out there and do as well as I could for 169 00:07:12,907 --> 00:07:16,867 Speaker 3: the team, and if I cause some selection headaches, that's that's, 170 00:07:16,907 --> 00:07:17,107 Speaker 3: you know. 171 00:07:17,107 --> 00:07:19,867 Speaker 6: I guess I'm doing my job. But Tom's done so 172 00:07:19,867 --> 00:07:21,427 Speaker 6: so well. Think he's gone for such a long. 173 00:07:21,267 --> 00:07:25,707 Speaker 3: Time and he's been really good to me personally, So yeah, 174 00:07:25,427 --> 00:07:28,187 Speaker 3: I think he's, yeah, looking like he might be might 175 00:07:28,187 --> 00:07:29,987 Speaker 3: be good to go for the third one. So that's 176 00:07:29,987 --> 00:07:32,067 Speaker 3: pleasing for him that he's been able to recover quickly 177 00:07:32,067 --> 00:07:32,827 Speaker 3: from his injury. 178 00:07:33,107 --> 00:07:36,187 Speaker 2: Are you happy to be I don't know, aggressively patient 179 00:07:36,507 --> 00:07:38,387 Speaker 2: with this, you know, to to wait for the next 180 00:07:38,387 --> 00:07:40,787 Speaker 2: opportunity in the test side to come along. 181 00:07:42,747 --> 00:07:43,307 Speaker 6: Yeah, I guess. 182 00:07:44,027 --> 00:07:46,107 Speaker 3: I just keep doing what I can do, and when 183 00:07:46,147 --> 00:07:48,227 Speaker 3: I get opportunities to try to take them and just 184 00:07:48,307 --> 00:07:50,787 Speaker 3: keep trying to improve as a player, I guess. So 185 00:07:51,387 --> 00:07:53,107 Speaker 3: that's a cool thing for me. I'm just still trying 186 00:07:53,147 --> 00:07:54,587 Speaker 3: to get better and learn as much as I can. 187 00:07:54,707 --> 00:07:56,587 Speaker 3: And it's been really cool to be a part of 188 00:07:56,587 --> 00:07:58,787 Speaker 3: this test squad for you know, ten days or so 189 00:07:58,867 --> 00:08:00,907 Speaker 3: and pick the brains of some of the guys that 190 00:08:01,147 --> 00:08:02,547 Speaker 3: have played a lot more than me, so it's been 191 00:08:02,667 --> 00:08:05,027 Speaker 3: been a really cool learning experience as well. So yeah, 192 00:08:05,027 --> 00:08:07,187 Speaker 3: happy just to keep she keep trying to get better 193 00:08:07,227 --> 00:08:09,427 Speaker 3: and when I do get my chances, hopefully take. 194 00:08:09,307 --> 00:08:13,427 Speaker 2: Them absolutely well. And just on your the contact that 195 00:08:13,467 --> 00:08:15,787 Speaker 2: you have in camp with Tom Blundell, who you know 196 00:08:15,787 --> 00:08:17,947 Speaker 2: it's played a lot of test cricket, is that a 197 00:08:18,787 --> 00:08:21,827 Speaker 2: good relationship You come in you feel you can immediately, 198 00:08:22,067 --> 00:08:25,227 Speaker 2: you know, sort of pick his brains and soak up 199 00:08:25,227 --> 00:08:27,227 Speaker 2: his experience in the Black Camps camp. 200 00:08:28,227 --> 00:08:28,787 Speaker 6: Yeah, definitely. 201 00:08:28,787 --> 00:08:30,467 Speaker 3: We've worked together a bit in the past and winter 202 00:08:30,507 --> 00:08:32,907 Speaker 3: camps and stuff, and he's been really good to work with, 203 00:08:33,027 --> 00:08:34,507 Speaker 3: really cool to to sort of watch and go about 204 00:08:34,507 --> 00:08:37,587 Speaker 3: his work and ask questions of and stuff. So yeah, 205 00:08:37,627 --> 00:08:39,787 Speaker 3: it's been He's always been really good to me, really 206 00:08:39,827 --> 00:08:42,747 Speaker 3: open and honest with his sort of with his learnings 207 00:08:42,747 --> 00:08:43,787 Speaker 3: and experiences he's had. 208 00:08:43,827 --> 00:08:46,507 Speaker 6: So yeah, he's been really good to man. And it 209 00:08:46,587 --> 00:08:47,627 Speaker 6: was no different this week either. 210 00:08:48,147 --> 00:08:50,707 Speaker 2: Did you know that it was your responsibility as keeper 211 00:08:50,707 --> 00:08:54,187 Speaker 2: to book the limousine for the traditional bowler's trip up 212 00:08:54,227 --> 00:08:56,227 Speaker 2: Mount Vicar after a test winn in Wellington? 213 00:08:57,267 --> 00:09:00,027 Speaker 3: Yeah, I had heard whispers about that, but that was 214 00:09:00,067 --> 00:09:02,027 Speaker 3: a great great trip up there. It was really cool 215 00:09:02,027 --> 00:09:05,387 Speaker 3: to get there. Everyone who had Bold and the keeper together. 216 00:09:05,467 --> 00:09:07,627 Speaker 3: It was a pretty pretty good evenings vi fare. We 217 00:09:07,627 --> 00:09:08,187 Speaker 3: had a lot of fun. 218 00:09:08,347 --> 00:09:11,827 Speaker 2: Did the limousine break down Yeah. 219 00:09:11,507 --> 00:09:12,627 Speaker 6: Yeah, overheadd up top. 220 00:09:12,987 --> 00:09:14,467 Speaker 3: Michael Rays a bit of a car guy and he 221 00:09:15,307 --> 00:09:16,187 Speaker 3: was trying to be helpful. 222 00:09:16,227 --> 00:09:18,147 Speaker 6: But now we got back down in the end, so 223 00:09:18,547 --> 00:09:20,307 Speaker 6: all was all good. Test. 224 00:09:20,427 --> 00:09:23,187 Speaker 2: Yeah, what a cool way to wrap a very very 225 00:09:23,187 --> 00:09:25,307 Speaker 2: good test. Went all right, So on to bay Oval 226 00:09:25,387 --> 00:09:27,307 Speaker 2: now we wait to see what happens their selection wise. 227 00:09:27,347 --> 00:09:29,827 Speaker 2: Mitch terrific mate. I mean, it's just awesome to have 228 00:09:29,867 --> 00:09:31,427 Speaker 2: you out there. It's been a long time since we've 229 00:09:31,427 --> 00:09:33,587 Speaker 2: had a different wicket keeper in test crickey. You've probably 230 00:09:33,627 --> 00:09:35,387 Speaker 2: picked up on this b Ja Watland for Ages then 231 00:09:35,427 --> 00:09:38,107 Speaker 2: Tom Blundell. So great to see you on debot mate. 232 00:09:38,147 --> 00:09:40,907 Speaker 2: All the best for what lies ahead across the summer 233 00:09:40,947 --> 00:09:42,587 Speaker 2: and thanks as always for taking the time for. 234 00:09:42,507 --> 00:09:44,547 Speaker 6: A chat alights it all. Thanks having me, no, thank you. 235 00:09:44,547 --> 00:09:47,187 Speaker 2: For joining us much. Mitch. Hey, there test a boot 236 00:09:47,267 --> 00:09:49,747 Speaker 2: in the week past at the Basin Reserve and did 237 00:09:49,747 --> 00:09:53,107 Speaker 2: all he could really didn't he, you know, to stake 238 00:09:53,147 --> 00:09:56,387 Speaker 2: his claim. There's been I note quite a bit of 239 00:09:56,907 --> 00:10:00,387 Speaker 2: conversation around what will happen in the Third Test at 240 00:10:00,427 --> 00:10:04,147 Speaker 2: bay Oval starting on Thursday. You might have heard Gavin 241 00:10:04,227 --> 00:10:08,107 Speaker 2: Larsen on the show yesterday with this black Caps selector. 242 00:10:08,227 --> 00:10:13,787 Speaker 2: I asked him about the selection decision now between Mitch 243 00:10:13,827 --> 00:10:15,587 Speaker 2: Hay and a returning Tom Blundell. 244 00:10:16,187 --> 00:10:18,347 Speaker 5: Everything he did at the base and reserve to me, 245 00:10:18,427 --> 00:10:21,387 Speaker 5: it spoke to his class as innings was a very 246 00:10:21,507 --> 00:10:24,347 Speaker 5: very good one and that was that was in trying conditions. 247 00:10:24,427 --> 00:10:26,707 Speaker 5: That base and reserve pict had quickened up on day 248 00:10:26,707 --> 00:10:30,147 Speaker 5: two and Mitch showed really good determination and commitment with 249 00:10:30,187 --> 00:10:30,627 Speaker 5: his batting. 250 00:10:30,827 --> 00:10:33,387 Speaker 2: So that was Mitch Hay. But what about Tom Blundell. 251 00:10:33,547 --> 00:10:35,547 Speaker 5: Yes, he's been a bit light on runs, but we 252 00:10:35,627 --> 00:10:38,947 Speaker 5: also believe that he's a class player and formers temporary, 253 00:10:39,067 --> 00:10:42,027 Speaker 5: class is permanent. Tommy's going to be back on the park. 254 00:10:42,067 --> 00:10:44,707 Speaker 5: He will need to provide the performances. We've got a 255 00:10:44,707 --> 00:10:46,667 Speaker 5: lot of cricket coming up that will be keeping an 256 00:10:46,667 --> 00:10:48,267 Speaker 5: eye on Tommy and on Mitch ha. 257 00:10:48,427 --> 00:10:51,827 Speaker 2: So there you go. So and Luke Ronkey did some 258 00:10:51,907 --> 00:10:55,387 Speaker 2: media yesterday as well, black Caps batting coach, and he 259 00:10:55,427 --> 00:10:58,307 Speaker 2: talked about Tom Blundell and his state of readiness for 260 00:10:58,347 --> 00:10:58,947 Speaker 2: the Third Test. 261 00:10:59,067 --> 00:11:02,347 Speaker 4: So he's been training fully, been running, been batting, been keeping, 262 00:11:02,427 --> 00:11:05,347 Speaker 4: so his hamstring injury had been own read there really well. 263 00:11:05,187 --> 00:11:07,307 Speaker 2: So he's coming back in. I don't think, you know, 264 00:11:07,307 --> 00:11:12,307 Speaker 2: they're not even trying to suggest anything else. And you know, 265 00:11:12,587 --> 00:11:15,347 Speaker 2: I actually don't mind that. I don't mind that they're 266 00:11:16,267 --> 00:11:18,827 Speaker 2: letting us know what's going on. Tom Blundell has been 267 00:11:19,587 --> 00:11:21,907 Speaker 2: Test wicket keeper for a very long time. He took 268 00:11:21,907 --> 00:11:24,627 Speaker 2: over after BJ Watling retired and was that after the 269 00:11:24,667 --> 00:11:27,387 Speaker 2: Test Championship win twenty twenty one. Yes, So Tom Blundell 270 00:11:27,427 --> 00:11:29,347 Speaker 2: has been the regular wicket keeper in this Test side 271 00:11:29,387 --> 00:11:33,587 Speaker 2: for four coming up five years, and I honestly believe 272 00:11:33,627 --> 00:11:35,987 Speaker 2: he deserves the opportunity to come back into the team. 273 00:11:35,987 --> 00:11:39,907 Speaker 2: He wasn't dropped. He was injured in the Test match 274 00:11:39,947 --> 00:11:43,707 Speaker 2: in christ Church. He's over that injury and so he 275 00:11:43,827 --> 00:11:47,907 Speaker 2: comes back. In the opposite view to that is that 276 00:11:48,187 --> 00:11:51,067 Speaker 2: if you come into a team and you play well, 277 00:11:51,587 --> 00:11:54,747 Speaker 2: that you should keep your place. So that is the 278 00:11:54,787 --> 00:11:58,227 Speaker 2: balancing act for Gavin Larsen, for Tom Latham, for Rob Walter, 279 00:11:58,587 --> 00:12:01,667 Speaker 2: those who make these decisions about what happens in the 280 00:12:01,707 --> 00:12:04,707 Speaker 2: Third Test. It has been I mean everybody who has 281 00:12:04,787 --> 00:12:07,107 Speaker 2: been quoted on the record. We've heard Davin Larson, We've 282 00:12:07,147 --> 00:12:09,827 Speaker 2: heard Luke Ronky. Daryl Mitchell said the same thing Tom 283 00:12:09,907 --> 00:12:12,667 Speaker 2: Latham as well during the Wellington Test match that when 284 00:12:12,787 --> 00:12:15,987 Speaker 2: Tom Blundele's fit, he comes back in and again. I 285 00:12:15,987 --> 00:12:19,507 Speaker 2: don't mind that. I don't mind it as a philosophy 286 00:12:20,267 --> 00:12:23,427 Speaker 2: of loyalty. Sometimes it can be overplayed, but I think 287 00:12:23,427 --> 00:12:25,587 Speaker 2: in this case it's the right decision. And let's not 288 00:12:26,627 --> 00:12:31,307 Speaker 2: concern ourselves too much with Mitch Hay's international future. I 289 00:12:31,307 --> 00:12:34,187 Speaker 2: think we can all see that he is going to 290 00:12:34,187 --> 00:12:35,547 Speaker 2: play a heck of a lot of cricket for New 291 00:12:35,627 --> 00:12:38,787 Speaker 2: Zealand in all three formats. Remember the ninety nine he 292 00:12:38,827 --> 00:12:42,467 Speaker 2: got who was that against last summer Pakistan? Ninety nine 293 00:12:42,467 --> 00:12:45,267 Speaker 2: off seventy odd balls of twenty two off the last 294 00:12:45,307 --> 00:12:47,987 Speaker 2: over or something. The guy can bat and first class 295 00:12:47,987 --> 00:12:51,227 Speaker 2: cricket average is nearly fifty. He's a good wicket keeper. 296 00:12:51,747 --> 00:12:55,547 Speaker 2: He's the next one coming in. Luke Ronky actually had 297 00:12:55,547 --> 00:13:00,587 Speaker 2: some advice for Mitch Hay. He had to wait as well, 298 00:13:00,987 --> 00:13:03,227 Speaker 2: Luke Ronkey for his chance to make a Test debut. 299 00:13:03,267 --> 00:13:05,747 Speaker 2: So what's his advice to Mitchay? 300 00:13:06,347 --> 00:13:08,227 Speaker 4: It's about going out and enjoying what you're doing, and 301 00:13:08,267 --> 00:13:11,387 Speaker 4: then you understand the situation. You understand that you sort 302 00:13:11,387 --> 00:13:14,427 Speaker 4: of have to wait. Sometimes it can be frustrating, but 303 00:13:14,747 --> 00:13:16,907 Speaker 4: he did everything he could out there for us. He 304 00:13:16,987 --> 00:13:19,707 Speaker 4: obviously made some good runs. Cat Well had high energy. 305 00:13:19,907 --> 00:13:21,387 Speaker 4: So you can ask if someone coming in. 306 00:13:21,507 --> 00:13:23,707 Speaker 2: So that's Luke Ronkey, Chris says on text, and it's 307 00:13:23,747 --> 00:13:25,867 Speaker 2: a great point. Same thing happened to Tom Blundell. Remember 308 00:13:25,867 --> 00:13:28,947 Speaker 2: he got one hundred on debut when bj Watland was injured. 309 00:13:28,947 --> 00:13:31,427 Speaker 2: Then Watland came back in. It's a Tom Blundell. I 310 00:13:31,427 --> 00:13:33,587 Speaker 2: think it went through exactly the same thing being on 311 00:13:33,707 --> 00:13:37,547 Speaker 2: Chris test debou bas In Reserve, looking up at his 312 00:13:37,587 --> 00:13:40,667 Speaker 2: old school of Wellington College and scored one hundred and 313 00:13:40,707 --> 00:13:43,907 Speaker 2: then famously I think either walked home or got the 314 00:13:43,907 --> 00:13:47,667 Speaker 2: bus home still wearing his whites. Maybe back to the hotel. 315 00:13:47,747 --> 00:13:51,467 Speaker 2: Maybe that urban myth has been expanded. But yeah, I 316 00:13:51,627 --> 00:13:54,187 Speaker 2: like the idea of it, and I think Tom Blundell 317 00:13:54,267 --> 00:13:59,067 Speaker 2: has earned over his test career the opportunity to continue it. 318 00:14:00,187 --> 00:14:01,867 Speaker 2: I think he'll come back in for the third Test. 319 00:14:02,387 --> 00:14:05,187 Speaker 2: He'll be first choice for England mid year India back 320 00:14:05,227 --> 00:14:08,267 Speaker 2: here summer and then Australia, and who knows that might 321 00:14:08,307 --> 00:14:10,987 Speaker 2: be it for Tom Blundele and then Mitchey can come 322 00:14:11,027 --> 00:14:13,147 Speaker 2: in and make Hay pardon the pun. 323 00:14:13,827 --> 00:14:16,987 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 324 00:14:17,107 --> 00:14:20,387 Speaker 1: to News Talk set B weekends from midday, or follow 325 00:14:20,427 --> 00:14:22,027 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio