KEY POINTS:
As a youngster, Neil Broom has vivid recollections of late nights glued to the TV watching the tri-series in Australia.
Like so many other young cricketers with stars in their eyes, he fancied being out there, if the chance ever came.
Broom recalls specific ODIs from the time. Like the night Australian lefthander Michael Bevan smashed a four down the ground off the final ball to pip the West Indies; or Dion Nash lapping a ball on to the boundary rope at Brisbane against the South Africans, only to have it ruled a four and New Zealand come up just short.
They left a firm impression on a young mind.
"It was always the best cricket to watch on TV," he said as he surveyed the imposing Melbourne Cricket Ground.
"Those games stick in the memory. Perth will be one of those as well."
Ah Perth, Broom's third ODI last Sunday night and his first taste of the big Australian stage. It was a night to remember for the 25-year-old.
It began brilliantly with his stunning throw to run out Australian captain Ricky Ponting, had him as a central figure in the event now known as Glovegate, when wicketkeeper Brad Haddin's gloves dislodged the bails with Broom incorrectly given out bowled, and ended in a last-ball win by two wickets.
Not a bad way to look back on your first Australian experience.
"To be playing in Australia in a one-day series is the pinnacle of my career. It might not get much better than this so I want to enjoy it," he said.
Broom's role in the side is quite specific. With first choice allrounder Jacob Oram out injured, the role of go-to guy in the latter stages of the innings has fallen to him.
His debut, against the West Indies at Eden Park last month, showed his capabilities, a 17-ball unbeaten 24 as part of a hectic 56-run stand in only 5.4 overs with fellow newcomer Martin Guptill.
His ability to get the board moving after only a handful of balls has not gone unnoticed by the national selectors.
At Perth, Broom's job was different. New Zealand, chasing a modest 181, were in trouble at 64 for four. Broom showed his other side, knuckling down to add an important 42 with Ross Taylor to steady the innings before his controversial dismissal for 29.
"I went back to cut it but didn't hear the death rattle," he said. "It seemed a wee bit strange. Maybe if I'd been round a while, maybe I'd have made more of a fuss."
He looked up at umpire Steve Bucknor who gave him a nod, signalling he was out.
"So I walked. I didn't know what had happened."
When he'd arrived in the middle, ironically it was Haddin who had most to say to the newcomer.
"He was the only guy really going at me, but I enjoy that sort of stuff."
Friendly banter?
"I wouldn't say it was too friendly."
Still, the outcome was right that night in Perth and Broom had played his part.
Had Scott Styris not broken a thumb in the first Twenty20 international against the West Indies on Boxing Day, Broom might still be waiting for his opportunity.
But now it's all about grabbing it.
"I enjoyed every part of the West Indies series. To get a taste of it before Australia was good, and to beat Australia in the first game I'd played against them was pretty amazing."
Broom made his first-class debut for Canterbury at 19 in February 2003 and immediately marked himself as a player worth keeping an eye on. His eight innings that season produced 316 runs at 39.5.
A product of Christchurch Boys' High School, one of his first XI and first XV teammates was Dan Carter, whom Broom reckons would have played first-class cricket if rugby had not got in the way. Carter was an allrounder who could "hit it miles".
Broom headed to Dunedin for the 2005-06 season to get more regular cricket and has been there since. He's averaging 39.0 in first-class matches, 34.53 in domestic one-dayers.
Broom is not a nervous type as a rule, but admitted to the odd jitter waiting to go out in Perth.
He expects a bit of the same later today, but is determined to make an impact on the rest of the series.
He wants to play against India when they arrive in New Zealand next month, and the world Twenty20 championship in England in the middle of the year is a big incentive.
"There's a lot of cricket coming up in the next 12 months, so this is a massive stepping stone in my career.
"Everyone says if you come over here and perform in Australia that sets up your career and you take a lot of confidence when you play in other parts of the world, and maybe it comes a little easier after that."
