Astle thrilled with recall
Canterbury allrounder Todd Astle is thrilled to have been recalled to the Black Caps squad to face Pakistan nearly four years after his last Test match.
Astle is the only frontline spinner included in the squad with Mitchell Santner injured and Ish Sodhi excluded from the group.
Speaking about the recall Astle told stuff.co.nz: “Yeah, fizzing.
“It’s so cool to get the recall, and to have it at Hagley Oval is a fairytale.”
Astle’s only Test to date was New Zealand’s 167 run victory over Sri Lanka in Colombo where Astle took one wicket and scored 35 from 100 balls in the second innings.
The 30-year-old described his debut as a special moment and admitted that the recall hasn’t really sunk in yet.
Astle added: “That [debut] was just so special to be able to pull on the cap for the first time.
“I got named earlier that morning just before the toss.
“It was all a bit of a whirlwind. Now, having spent a few years plying my trade, trying to get better and earning this recall, it makes it really worthwhile.”
The allrounder said that he was looking forward to getting involved in a scrap with a very good Pakistan team.
He went on: “That’s what excites me.
“It’s a case of going in and showcasing my skills and getting in the fight.
“Trying to do as well as I can and contribute with the ball, especially. That’s when you dream of playing for the Black Caps and doing well. To be that main spinner will be really cool.”
Astle remains committed to improving his game each time he steps out on the field.
He concluded: “You’re always trying to evolve and adapt and add that consistency, and that’s what I’ve been able to do.
“I’ve always tried to get better each game I played and tried to contribute in those games. And I’ve had good form, so you hope in the back of your mind that you get another go. You don’t want to read into things too far in the future, but it’s nice to get the timing of it now.”
Latest
-
News
England Women wrap up 4-1 series victory in New Zealand
Heather Knight top-scored with 35 in England’s chase of 137.
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.