For all-round excellence

about that as my career option. It’s certainly paying off now.’’

After 25 first-class matches, Jamieson got his big chance with Neil Wagner’s absence on paternity leave. Against the might of India he made his debut count, as he snared 4-39 in the first innings including skipper Virat Kohli’s prized wicket.

Then, with the Black Caps’ first innings teetering a fraction he clouted 44 off 45 balls including four massive sixes to help build a vital 183-run lead. Jamieson surprised himself with how calm he was, and said his experienced team-mates made fitting in easy.

Clearly, batting at No 9, he’d like to move up the order. His batting ability is clear, stretching back to his century for a New Zealand

XI against England at Hamilton in 2018.

‘‘At the moment I’m a bowler who can bat and trying to get towards the allrounder stage. That’s ideally where I’d want to be.

‘‘I’m still a long way off where I want to be as a bowler and cricketer. There’s a lot more to come.’’

Now, staying in the test XI despite his wonderful debut is the challenge.

Wagner returns for Saturday’s second test in Christchurch which means Jamieson and Patel go head-to-head for the final spot. Jamieson clearly has the inside running, and local knowledge, if New Zealand go without a spinner.

‘‘I spent five or six years down there and I’m familiar with the ground. Going back to Christchurch is going to be special. It played such a big part in the start of my journey to being here.’’

‘‘At the moment I’m a bowler who can bat and trying to get towards the allrounder stage.’’ Kyle Jamieson