Test squad selection marks new
Career level
This one feels a little more real for Jacob Duffy. The Otago Volts 26-year-old was “over the moon” as he reflected on the news of being included in the Black Caps’ latest test squad.
He joined Rachin Ravindra as one of two newcomers in the 20-strong squad named last week to tour England.
They will play two tests against the home side, before the World Test Championship final against India at Lords.
The right-arm seam bowler made his international debut against Pakistan in a Twenty20 earlier this summer, taking four wickets.
However, his expectations of making the test squad had not been high and it was exciting to receive the call from coach Gary Stead.
“It’s very similar to when I made my T20 debut. There were a lot of messages back then and same again this time,” Duffy said.
“Going on a test tour is pretty special and, not to say it’ll outdo that, but this one feels a bit more real and you’re part of the proper test squad.”
Duffy, who is from Lumsden, has played 69 first-class games for Otago and New Zealand A.
He has taken 197 wickets at an average of 31.95 during that career, which stretches back to 2012 when he debuted as a teenager.
While having made the squad, he will face plenty of competition to make the playing lineup.
Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner have formed a strong trio for a long time while Kyle Jamieson has been arguably the star of the past summer in the test arena.
Matt Henry and Doug Bracewell are also quality bowlers who will go to England.
While he would put his best foot forward, Duffy said it would be equally good to get in the environment and see those how those veterans operated.
“It’s a pretty settled team and they’ve obviously done pretty well.
“I’m pretty realistic about my position in the team, but to be part of that set-up is pretty cool.
“To see how Tim Southee goes about his work with the Duke ball in England, things like that are awesome.
“Obviously, I got a bit of a taster of the Black Caps environment. I loved every minute of it, everyone was awesome.” — ODT