STONEMAN: I’M STILL ON TRIAL IN TESTS
FORMER DURHAM OPENER LOOKING FOR RUNS TO ESTABLISH INTERNATIONAL CAREER
Mark Stoneman admits he will be “on trial” in England’s two-Test series against New Zealand.
Stoneman is well aware he failed to take the chances in this winter’s 4-0 Ashes defeat which might have established him as a lasting opening partner for all-time national record runscorer Alastair Cook.
Instead, after a campaign which brought Stoneman 232 runs at an average of 25.77, he knows he must restate his claims against another high-quality pace attack here.
For Australia’s Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, read New Zealand’s Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner pace marginally down, but swing prevalent again.
Two months after packing away the Ashes with an innings defeat in the final Test in Sydney, former Durham opener Stoneman said: “I think I’ve got myself on trial really.”
But following the first net session of a week in Hamilton before Auckland’s inaugural pink-ball Test next week, he spelled out too that he will not lack for self-confidence.
“I always put myself under pressure and can be my own worst critic at times.
“I’m expecting good things of myself - that’s the most important thing.”
England’s selectors have demonstrated belief too, by selecting him for this tour.
“It’s nice to have that bit of faith in you,” added the 30-year-old left-hander, who is now with Surrey.
“They’ve seen something in what I’ve done so far to show there’s a good international career to be unlocked - so that’s the kind of expectations and pressure I’m putting on myself to fulfil that.”
Stoneman made two early half-centuries in Australia, but mustered just 42 more runs in four innings after being hit on the helmet during a brilliant barrage of short bowling from Hazlewood in Perth.
He gives no credence, however, to the theory that blow might have spooked him.
“I think it was just coincidental on the back of that, and it was unfortunate I wasn’t able to finish the series stronger,” he said, before acknowledging there will be no gimme runs against the Kiwis either.
“It’s Test cricket, and New Zealand have got some world-class operators.
“In their home conditions, I’m sure they’re going to be a handful ... I don’t expect anything to be easy in Test cricket.”
As for the Ashes, Stoneman will neither hide from his shortcomings.
“It was obviously disappointing,” he said. “On a personal note, there was good stuff in there, but I think I left myself a bit short at times as well. I’m hungry for runs and I feel h I’ve got it in myself to really perform at this level.”