Cricket dream comes true for Jono

WINNING SPOT: Jono Didsbury, from Pirinoa, South Wairarapa, was the ANZ coin toss winner with the two captains, Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq and Black Caps' Brendon McCullum, at Saturday's ANZ one day international cricket match at Westpac Stadium.PHOTO/GRANT DOWN

For most cricketers, being part of an international cricket match is something they can only dream of.

But for one young Wairarapa cricketer, that dream became reality on Saturday when he stood side-by-side with cricketing giants Brendon McCullum and Misbah-ul-Haq at the first one-day match between the Black Caps and Pakistan.

Eight-year-old Jono Didsbury won the opportunity to accompany the two captains for the coin toss in a competition run by ANZ.

Jono attends Pirinoa School and plays for the Martinborough Cricket Club. He says he's enjoying his second season at the club and has been moved up a grade.

Head of corporate marketing and sponsorship at ANZ, Sue McGregor, says Jono is one of 14 youngsters being selected to take part in the moment that decides which team bats and which bowls during the ANZ International Series this summer.

"It's going to be the most thrilling season for cricket New Zealand has experienced in years.

"The ANZ International Series saw the country hosting three of the world's finest cricket teams ahead of the most prestigious cricket tournament, jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia in February.

"To stand alongside some of the world's greatest cricketers at such an important moment of the match is a dream come true for young fans.

"It's great to be able to give young players the opportunity to get close to their heroes."