Positive signs as the kid from Te Kuiti settles in at top level
Tom Bruce admits being the first Black Cap from Te Kuiti is a small claim to fame but he’s hoping it will develop into a bigger one as his career progresses.
Relatively unknown having made his first-class debut less than two years ago, the 25-year-old Central Districts batsman has shown enough in his first two international outings to suggest he might not be a one-hit wonder.
Run out by his captain in the first Twenty20 against Bangladesh in Napier, he made amends with an excellent 59 not out from 39 balls – and a partnership with century-maker Colin Munro of 123 in 11.1 overs – as New Zealand cruised to a 47-run win in the second T20 in Mt Maunganui.
He also assumed the gloves after wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi was injured, showcasing his versatility.
Bruce’s tidy start replicates his early domestic career, where he averages more than 46 from 21 first-class matches, 40 from 20 T20 matches and 34 from 11 one-day matches.
While he is comfortably behind Sir Colin Meads and Sir David Fagan on the list of Te Kuiti’s favourite sporting sons, Bruce knows only performing consistently at domestic level, and when he gets a shot for the Black Caps, will edge him up the list.
‘‘Representing New Zealand is pretty special and to do that in any format would be awesome,’’ Bruce said as the Black Caps eye a 3-0 series sweep in the third T20 at Bay Oval today, and then marquee tours from Australia and South Africa.
‘‘I’d like to be playing all three formats but I just have to take care of tomorrow’s game and make sure the performances are coming in domestic cricket, then the rest will take care of itself.’’
Bruce said he relished batting with Munro, who blasted 101 from 54 balls on Friday.
‘‘A lot of fun was had with myself and Munners with the bat, it wasn’t ideal having Ronchs go down but I sort of bluffed my way into the gloves I guess. It was a good day all around.
‘‘It was nice to get a few runs, you’re in the side to score runs and score big runs, and the partnership with Manu [Munro] was pretty crucial in the end. It was nice playing second fiddle to him and watching him go.’’
Despite his handy glovework, Bruce does not fancy himself as a regular behind the stumps; he has only kept at Gillette Cup schoolboy level.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim has been named in Bangladesh’s 15-man squad for the first test against New Zealand in Wellington next week, Cricinfo reported.
He is expected to recover from a hamstring injury in time, while Cricinfo reported that attack spearhead Mustafiqur Rahman has been rested, meaning test debutant Taskin Ahmed is likely to lead the bowling attack.