Spin-doctor Astle aims to have mental edge
Recalled legspinner Todd Astle will draw on his winter job if he cops it from the Barmy Army or English batsmen at Eden Park.
The 31-year-old is set for his third test, and first since November 2016, with left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner facing surgery and out for up to nine months with a bone defect in his right knee.
Santner’s misfortune presents an opportunity for the Cantabrian, who has been among the leading Plunket Shield wicket-takers in recent summers, but battled for regular chances in New Zealand’s test side.
Astle will head into the country’s first day-night test, starting next Thursday, with confidence.
In last season’s day-night round of the Plunket Shield, he shone with the pink Kookaburra against Auckland at Eden Park, snaring 5-75 from 25 overs, bowling four batsmen with his crafty leg spin.
England’s talented top order will look to target Astle, given his inexperience at international level and the ground’s small dimensions, which makes life challenging for spinners.
He isn’t concerned and if he takes early tap, will utilise the knowledge he preaches as a mental skills coach over the off-season.
Astle started up his own business last winter, the aptly-named, Innerspin, and has already given speeches to the victorious Canterbury NPC men’s rugby team and the union’s academy sides.
He mainly works with agegroup, school, and club teams, and the sport and recreation management graduate said it’s a subject he is passionate about.
That should prepare Astle well for any barbs from England’s touring Barmy Army supporters group, or aggressive batting from Ben Stokes, Joe Root or Jonny Bairstow.
‘‘That’s an area I’ve had a lot of benefit in myself and I want to give back and help others to be the best they can as well,’’ he said.
Astle’s Black Caps’ journey has been far from smooth. He made his test debut in a victory over Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2012, but wasn’t required again until November 2016, against Pakistan on his Hagley Oval home ground in Christchurch.
On a seamer-friendly wicket, where Pakistan were skittled for 133 and 171, he bowled just four overs and missed selection for the second test.
He finally made his ODI debut against the West Indies in Whang– arei in December, impressing with
3-33. Astle went on to play a further five ODIs against the Windies and Pakistan this home summer, but carried the drinks in the England
50-over matches.
Being in and out of the Black Caps had strengthened his resolve and made him hungrier.
‘‘It’s not been an overnight success. It’s been a 12-13 year success, so it’s been a slow burn, but it’s allowed me to have greater control and understanding of my bowling.’’