Daniel in like Flynn to open batting

DANIEL FLYNN says he’s ready and willing to open the batting for New Zealand against South Africa’s pace attack in his first test innings in 27 months.

The in-form Northern Districts left-hander was recalled yesterday in place of the struggling Rob Nicol for Friday’s third test at the Basin Reserve.

Early indications are that the 26-year-old will partner Martin Guptill at the top of the order, despite Flynn having opened just once in 29 test innings.

‘‘It’s a great opportunity to challenge yourself against a world class attack. Going out and opening, there is a lot of responsibility on your shoulders but it’s something I’d enjoy the chance to do,’’ Flynn said last night.

On form, Flynn’s selection was a no-brainer as the New Zealanders struggle to cope with the South African quicks. In his last five Plunket Shield innings he’s scored 113 not out, 47, 68, 136, and will resume today on 68 against Auckland.

But asking him to open against Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, and leaving Brendon Mccullum at three, is the debatable point. Flynn said coach John Wright mentioned the prospect of him opening when they spoke on Saturday, but it wasn’t set in stone until the team reassembles tomorrow.

National selection manager Kim Littlejohn said Flynn was likely to open, as New Zealand try to level the series after a ninewicket defeat inside three days in Hamilton.

‘‘We’d like to keep the batting order as stable as possible and at this stage we see Brendon as a three.

‘‘It [opening] is not an unusual role for Daniel. He’s batted as an opener before and batted three for New Zealand. We think he’s got the skills to do it. He’s in good nick and he’s confident.’’

There were no

obvious