Black Caps captain Tim Southee took an unlikely route to prepare for tonight's T20 against Sri Lanka at Eden Park, by rolling the arm over and opening the batting in a social midweek cricket league in Auckland.
With regular skipper Kane Williamson resting tonight, Southee will lead the Black Caps for the third time in his career.
And judging by his return for The Sons CC at the Auckland domain on Wednesday night, it could be a long night for the Kiwis.
Southee was dismissed for 7 off 10 balls after opening the batting and returned 0-33 from his four overs at the bowling crease.