Kelly keen to let his bat do talking

New Otago batsman Nick Kelly surveys the looming clouds at the University of Otago Oval yesterday. Photo: Adrian Seconi
New Otago batsman Nick Kelly surveys the looming clouds at the University of Otago Oval yesterday. Photo: Adrian Seconi
Nick Kelly moved south this season hoping to make an impact with the bat.

But all the buzz has been about the left-hander's brief cameo at the bowling crease.

The newly minted Otago player showed promise on debut for the Volts last week.

The 26-year-old posted innings of 37 and 40 in the eight-wicket loss to Wellington.

But the part time spinner also delivered two consecutive waist-high full tosses which were promptly dispatched to and over the boundary.

He was banned from bowling for the remainder of the innings and finished with the odd figures of none for 12 from none.

Someone kindly put his spell to music and posted it online so people could have a chuckle at his expense.

Kelly has taken it well, though.

''I didn't think that would be the first headline my left-arm tweakers would make,'' he said.

''A couple slipped out and before I knew it I was having my hat handed back to me and told 'off you go, mate'.

''Twelve off none. Not a great start to the spell,'' he joked.

Kelly hopes the captain will call on him to bowl again at some stage. But his main aim is to score runs and lots of them.

He had hoped to build on his solid start with the bat for the province yesterday. But a damp outfield and yet more rain meant the opening day of the Plunket Shield match against Auckland at the University of Otago Oval was called off after lunch.

There is more rain forecast today, so Kelly may have to wait a bit longer to create some different headlines.

It was opportunity which lured him south. Kelly was battling for game time with a Northern Districts side dubbed the Northern Black Caps, because of the number of internationals in the squad.

''I'd been there four years and I had sort of solidified my spot in the one-day team.

''But sometimes you'd be in good form but you would miss out due to the Black Caps coming back.

''That's fine. It is awesome to train with them but I'm 26 now and I'd got to the point where I just wanted to play as much as I can.''

Otago offered him the most opportunity. The province was looking to shore up its batting after a disappointing Plunket Shield campaign, and Kelly wanted to play more first-class cricket.

He has a very decent one-day record of 849 runs at 35.37, so he can play, given the chance.

''Rob [Walter, Otago coach] and I had a chat and he gave me a fair idea of where I'd sit in the team. I had a week or two to think about it and the decision was made.

''If I can put runs on the board I should be playing most of the games down here and that is my No1 goal.''

Kelly was pleased with his first effort with the bat for Otago.

''It would have been nice to kick on ... but it was good to get out there and spend a bit of time building those batting partnerships with people I haven't batted with before.''

Kelly was born in Australia but moved to New Zealand with his parents when he was 10. Home is in Auckland but he is enjoying his new digs in St Clair.

He is flatting with team-mates Nathan Smith and Mitchell Renwick. He is 'a big golfer'' during his spare time and has already established some healthy rivalries.

''Josh Finnie is a very nice striker of the ball and it pains me to say it but the coach is half decent as well. He's beaten me a few times.''

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