It has been quite a week for Otago all-rounder Jimmy Neesham.
He blazed his second first-class century in a losing effort for Otago against Central Districts in Nelson on Sunday.
He was yesterday named in the Black Caps test squad and there is a real chance he will play in the second test against India later this week.
He will be tracking the progress of the IPL auction today, and is one of more than 500 players hoping his services will attract some bids.
And, have we mentioned he has already been in the news, with footage of him guiding Jesse Ryder into a taxi after a night out in Auckland last month airing on 3 News on Sunday night?So, is it just another week in the life of a 23-year-old professional cricketer?
''It has been a little bit of a whirlwind,'' he said.
''At the start of the week ... I was hoping to perform well for Otago in that four-day game and never would have thought at the end of the week I'd be in Wellington waiting for the second test to start.''
Everything has happened so fast that Neesham said he was still trying to get his head around the prospect of making his test debut on Friday.
''I'm still trying to gather my thoughts and set a few goals for the next couple of weeks. And I'm trying to stay grounded and just looking forward to the first ball if I'm in the XI.''
Neesham has played 11 one-day internationals and five twenty20 matches for New Zealand, but a spot in the test side appeared blocked with Corey Anderson established as the leading all-rounder and the seam attack of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner all operating at the top of their game.
Neesham replaces Doug Bracewell, who is injured but would probably have been dropped after he went out drinking with Ryder on the eve of the first test.
If Neesham plays, he will surely take legspinner Ish Sodhi's place. However, without Sodhi the New Zealand attack lacks variety and coach Mike Hesson has shown a willingness to back his players through highs and lows.
Canterbury's Tom Latham comes into the squad for Ryder, who was axed as cover for Ross Taylor following his evening out with Bracewell.
