Michael Mason earned his place in the New Zealand side the old fashioned way - by sheer hard work. Mason hails from Mangatainoka, not one of the more prolific development centres of New Zealand cricket, but he brings long-valued work ethics associated with many country bowlers before him, including Ewen Chatfield, Harry Cave, Richard Collinge and Lance Cairns. Like them, Mason is a solid and reliable performer; a workhorse to whom no task is too great. Mason has been dogged by injuries, but has kept lining up for more, and selection has been his reward. Making the next step is a well-timed challenge in his career. He was once described by John Bracewell as "the best line-and-length bowler in the country" and when he finally strung a few ODIs together, against Sri Lanka in 2006-07, he showed glimpses of that skill. His 4 for 24 in a Man-of-the-Match performance at Christchurch was the highlight and despite managing only one game in the tri-series in Australia, Mason was chosen in the 15-man World Cup squad. In the Caribbean Mason was used five times and claimed three wickets, but thereafter his appearances were sporadic. He played against Australia in March 2010 after a gap of nearly two years, but he continues to be a consistent performer for Central Districts.
Lynn McConnell