Cricket: Years of work pay off as Devcich finally called up

Anton Devcich says he would relish the chance of playing in the next World Cup in New Zealand and Australia. Photo / Getty Images

Anton Devcich never gave up the idea of playing for New Zealand.

He will turn 28 on September 28 in Kurnegala, and it's a fair bet six months ago he wouldn't have been expecting to blow those candles out in Sri Lanka.

Devcich, in Sri Lanka with New Zealand A, was yesterday named as the one new cap in the New Zealand limited-overs squad to play three ODIs and a T20 international in Bangladesh next month.

His has been a slow-burning career, but he has developed a reputation as a solid performer for Northern Districts.

He has the versatility which comes with having batted up and down the order, had a good limited-overs domestic season for ND and hit 115 for New Zealand A in a first class game against India A this month.

Handy contributions of 48 and 66 in the 50-over matches against the same opponents, won't have hurt. Throw in tidy left-arm spinners and a rocket arm from the deep and he had good credentials for a call-up.

"Absolutely stoked, mate," was his reaction to his selection last night.

"I didn't really know what to expect when I came over here with New Zealand A but I've worked bloody hard throughout the winter to get ready so this is awesome."

His aim is to make the most of his chances and keep his name in the frame when the selectors, Mike Hesson and Bruce Edgar, are doodling names on their pads for a busy international season.

Then, mention it quietly, but there's a World Cup less than two years away, in New Zealand and Australia.

There's no getting ahead of things yet, but Devcich admitted it would be silly not to think about it.

"It's always in your mind that it would be great to play in a World Cup," he said.

Devcich made his first ND appearance in the 2004-05 season but down the years, as other players have been given a chance ahead of him, he never lost the faith.

"It's a tough one. When you're playing first class in New Zealand it's such a small country you're always in with a chance if you have a couple of good seasons," he said. "I probably only realised how hard you need to work to get to the level you need in the last two or three years.

"[(Personal coach] Chris Kuggeleijn and [former ND coach] Grant Bradburn have always instilled in me [the belief that] you are good enough."

Central Districts speedster Adam Milne returns to the squad, having last played in November in Sri Lanka.

"We've been impressed with his rhythm and pace on the New Zealand A tour," national selection manager Edgar said.

Tim Southee has been named in the squad, having recovered from ankle surgery.

The squad leaves for three ODIs and a T20 on October 24 and will join the test players, who have two matches before the limited-overs leg, in Dhaka.

Touring line-up

New Zealand limited-overs squad to play Bangladesh:
Brendon McCullum (c), Hamish Rutherford, Anton Devcich, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Corey Anderson, Nathan McCullum, Jimmy Neesham, Kyle Mills, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan.