In recent years it has been difficult for bowlers over the age of 40 to make their international debut. Keith (45) has made a strong case that the selectors could not ignore.
''I'm not young,'' she admitted.
''I think they should be picking players on form. Over the last 18 months they can't argue with the form I've had.''
Keith won the New Zealand singles title last year and backed it up this year by winning the pairs.
Her crowning moment came last year when she beat Jane Rigby (Zimbabwe) to win the world champion of champions singles title at Cyprus.
Keith will make her debut for the Black Jacks in the Trans Tasman series against Australia at Auckland later this month.
''It's pretty amazing. It's something you strive for,'' she said.
''I've been playing pretty well and am happy about it all.
''I feel pretty relaxed about things. The bunch of girls I'm playing with have all got the talent to pull the job off.
''I'm looking forward to be playing with them instead of against them.''
Keith is second in the four and is in the middle of the triples.
She played international indoor bowls from 1997 to 2012 and is not new to the tension of test matches against Australia.
Keith was in the winning Canterbury women's team at the intercentre event at the Howick greens that will be used for the Trans Tasman series and liked the greens.
Keith has played bowls for 25 years and has won only three Canterbury titles. Because of work commitments she was not able to play too many tournaments outside her own district. What has changed is that her new employer, Ashford Handicrafts, in Ashburton has allowed Keith to ''feel happy about going away and playing''.
Keith has a relaxed demeanour on the green and nothing seems any trouble.
''I do get nervous but I try not to show it,'' she said.
''If you can keep it under wraps no-one knows how jittery you really feel.''
Keith has enjoyed playing in the Dunedin Casino Classic Pairs with its new concept of drawing for a partner.
''It's nice to partner someone you don't normally play with,'' she said. ''It's enjoyable.''
Bowls was the family game for the Keith family. Both her parents played. Brother Rodney plays in Australia and Alistair is one of Dunedin's best bowlers.
Sandra Keith
Fact file
Home town: Ashburton.
Age: 45.
Occupation: Works in Ashford Handicrafts spray shop.
Club: Dunsandel.
Record: NZ singles champion 2012, pairs 2013; world champion singles (2012).
NZ representative: Transtasman 2013.
Indoor bowls: Two NZ titles; NZ rep 1997-2012.
