Cricket: Watling arrives to optimistic praise from skipper Vettori

It's not quite accompanied by the sound of the cavalry bugler coming over the hill, but in BJ Watling, the national selectors have placed a degree of trust.

Watling makes his test debut opening for New Zealand against Pakistan today.

The 24-year-old is the man for the future, according to the selectors who had the chance to swing a hefty axe through the batting lineup after the second test defeat but instead opted for just the Northern Districts player with a rejig through the order.

Watling has impressed seasoned eyes since making his ND debut in the 2004-05 season and he's likely to get an extended opportunity to cement himself a place in the test side.

He's been in good touch this season, with a sound 90 against Wellington late last month, but played down his 136 against Auckland at Colin Maiden Park last weekend.

"I wouldn't read too much into that hundred. We were trying to set up the game," he admitted.

Still, he's going at an average of 80.66 this season and he's happy with his form.

His philosophy suits going in first: "Get out there straight away and get into the battle, that's what I like."

Although he hasn't seen much of the first two tests, and therefore just snippets of the Pakistan seam bowlers who have wreaked havoc in the New Zealand batting lineup, Watling's philosophy is straightforward.

"I've just got to come up with my game plan. Don't leave anything to chance. I'm working on playing the ball late, good leaving and good positive intent."

He's got the endorsement of his captain, and fellow ND man, Dan Vettori.

"He's a typical Northern Districts player, pretty gritty,"said Vettori. "He gets on with the job and understands exactly what he needs to do in most situations. There's not a lot of fanfare about him, he just gets in there and does it."

Vettori said Watling had another string to his game, which will help.

"He's a good fielder too, so he brings a pretty nice package to the team."