KEY POINTS:
Martin Guptill has a simple philosophy about batting - "see the ball and hit the ball".
It tells of an uncluttered approach to his art and the Auckland batsman has no immediate plans to change it either, which is fair enough given that he's made a strong start to what he hopes will prove a lengthy international career.
The mantra is strikingly similar to that of great South African lefthander Graeme Pollock, who reckoned batting was all about "you see it, and hit it".
Pollock's 23 tests produced an average of 60.97, so it did the trick for him.
"I try not to complicate things too much, try and keep a pretty clear head," Guptill, 22, said yesterday,
He appreciates the parameters of his batting strengths, and just as importantly what doesn't work as well for him, pointing out his approach has served him well so far, and so there's no need to think about changing it.
He began his ODI career with a fine 122 not out against the West Indies at Eden Park, followed it up with a better-than-run-a-ball 43 in the decider at Napier.
Although he made only 13 in New Zealand's final-ball thriller against Australia in Perth on Sunday night, Guptill said he felt pretty good in the middle.
Now, he can't wait for another crack at the Australians at the cavernous Melbourne Cricket Ground tomorrow, and with Jesse Ryder invalided out of the Chappell Hadlee series, he seems certain to be opening the batting for the remaining four games.
He has always maintained he's not worried whether he opens or bats No 3, but yesterday admitted a little certainty about his role doesn't hurt.
"It is nice to know that but it's pretty gutting we've lost Jesse because he's done a good job for us. But we've got guys who can back him up and do a job."
Although Guptill's innings in Perth was a battle as Australia's bowlers came out fired up to defend only 181, he took some positives out of it, primarily spending 47 minutes and 33 balls in the middle getting a good view of their fast-medium attack of speedster Shaun Tait and left armers Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Bracken.
"Yeah I had a look at them so I know what they can do and hopefully I'm up for the challenge this time," he added.
The New Zealanders were so jubilant after their two-wicket win in Perth, they had to be told it was time to turn the lights out in their dressing room at midnight.
"We were in our own little world. It was great," Guptill said.
"There's a lot of confidence going round the changing room."
Having made a fine fist of his early days of international cricket, Guptill's ambition now is to make himself part of the dressing room furniture.
"Hopefully I'm setting myself to be in the side for a while. I'm just really enjoying this."
