Aim to be the best he can be

Otago top-order batsman Josh Tasman-Jones flings the ball towards the stumps during a training...
Otago top-order batsman Josh Tasman-Jones flings the ball towards the stumps during a training session at the Edgar Centre late last month. PHOTO GERARD O'BRIEN
Josh Tasman-Jones has gone from supplying the team uniforms to slipping them on.

It is quite a transformation for the 28-year-old.

Until recently, the Otago and Albion top-order batsman worked full time for sportswear company Dynasty - formerly BLK - as an accounts manager.

Dynasty supplies the kit for the six major associations and Tasman-Jones managed the account.

But instead of worrying about whether everyone has been sent the right strip, he gets to try it on and hopes to impress while wearing it.

He has been contracted this summer following a raft of departures during the off-season.

It is an exciting opportunity for the tenacious right-hander. He joined Otago fast bowler Warren Barnes in making the move from Auckland four years ago.

They both had their sights set on a spot in the Volts line-up.

Barnes had the advantage of a provincial contract and quickly made an impression with his pace and swing. But Tasman-Jones had to toil away at club level before finally getting an opportunity in the last game of the 2016-17 season.

He did well with a gutsy 35 and 59 not out against a Northern Districts attack which included fiery pace bowler Scott Kuggeleijn and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi.

"It was really enjoyable and I felt like I belonged," Tasman-Jones said.

"Whenever I've gone up the level, or been on better wickets and better grounds, I've found it a bit easier to be honest.

"I just feel my game suits that level of cricket. It is what I've trained for. I've put a lot of hard work into it."

Despite a promising debut, he had to wait another year for a second opportunity.

He opened alongside Hamish Rutherford. He was dismissed early but got a start in his second innings before he was bowled for 20 by Northern Districts spinner Joe Walker.

That has been the extent of his experience at the top level but this season promises more consistent opportunity.

Otago's first-class side will be missing six regular starters. Their absence will be felt most in the batting line-up.

There is no Anaru Kitchen, Neil Broom, Rob Nicol or Derek de Boorder to fall back on. Instead, players such as Shawn Hicks, Josh Finnie, Mitch Renwick and Tasman-Jones will be called on to keep the scoreboard moving.

It is a batting line-up light on experience and with plenty to prove.

"I really just want to do the best I can and not overthink it too much," Tasman-Jones responded when asked if he felt added pressure.

"My No1 goal is to just be the best team-mate I can be for the team because we have put a lot of emphasis on our culture. But that is part of my personality as well.

"And personally, I just want to make sure I'm always prepared if an opportunity arises and just to put my best foot forward.

"I want to have a smile on my face while I'm playing and hopefully cement myself in the top order."

Outside of the Otago camp there is not likely to be great expectations given the Volts' poor run of form in recent seasons and the perceived gaps in the batting line-up. But that gloom has not descended on the camp.

"There is no point being daunted by it. There are opportunities for people to step up and I feel like I'm kind of ready to. I've worked hard to get here, so it is a dream come true for me and I want to make the most of the opportunity.

"I think that is the philosophy for all of us. We'll give it a good crack and play for each other.

"If the top order can get a few runs, there is no reason why we can't shake a few things up."

 

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