Black Caps captain Kane Williamson drew on all those skills yesterday to deflect the most obvious question — who will be in the starting XI for the opening test against the West Indies beginning in Hamilton today?
The field has been narrowed with news yesterday that BJ Watling has been ruled out with a hamstring complaint.
Tom Blundell will take the gloves and bat in the middle order, and Central Districts right-hander Will Young will make his long-awaited test debut.
He will partner Tom Latham at the top of the order.
Williamson was able to reveal prolific Wellington left-hander Devon Conway had missed out on the 12.
But he was careful when asked whether the Black Caps were leaning towards playing all four seamers and going into the game without a spinner.
It is not something the side does very often at home.
But the team has been forced to consider the option, partly because it is almost an impossible selection decision to leave out either Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner or rising star Kyle Jamieson, and partly because Seddon Park is not the spin haven it is often billed as.
"It is a little bit tricky," Williamson offered on the matter.
"That is why we have named 12 and we’ll make a decision on that balance tomorrow."
Yep. No gap between bat and pad there. None at all.
The most likely selection dilemma going around in the selector’s heads is whether left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner or all-rounder Daryl Mitchell carry the drinks.
Mitchell offers a lot more with the bat and, in the absence of Watling, that could be a decisive factor. But Santner can be called on to bowl a lot more overs.
He could plug away from one end while the four seamers attack from the other.
Williamson gave no indication which way he was leaning. But he was very happy Young will finally get an opportunity.
Young was poised to make his test debut last year. But the match against Bangladesh was called off following the mosque shootings in Christchurch.
"It is obviously a really special occasion for him and the people around him.
"I know that he is just looking forward to getting involved after some near opportunities that obviously did not eventuate.
"Often you come into teams — it’s new and you are trying to get a feel for the group. But he’s got that feel and he’s an experienced player who has played a lot of first class cricket and to a very high standard and ... [he] deserves that opportunity.
"He is pretty calm and relaxed and knows that he just wants to go out and contribute as much as he can for the team. That sort of attitude is just a great thing to have in your group."
New Zealand is fourth in the ICC World Test Championship rankings, but can leapfrog England into third with back-to-back wins against the West Indies.
Williamson said the team focus was on the immediate challenge, however.
"In order to win games ... and give yourself a chance to move up the ladder you have to look after whatever is in front of you. That is the most important thing."
