Arnel keen to make international debut

Fast bowler Brent Arnel has said he is "stoked over the moon" after being awarded a central contract by NZC. Arnel, yet to make his debut in international cricket, says representing the Black Caps will be his immediate aim.

"I'm the only guy on the [central contracts] list that hasn't put on a Black Caps jersey," he said. "That'll be a goal, because just getting a contract doesn't guarantee that."

Arnel had a successful 2008-09 season for Northern Districts, where he finished the fifth highest wicket taker in the ODI competition with 17 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 20.76. In the 4-day format, he picked up 13 wickets in 6 matches.

The seamer is keen on playing all forms of the game, though he has been more successful in the ODI format. "Hopefully I'm not seen as one-dimensional. I felt like I had a better one-day season than I did a four-day one, and I'd like to work on my Twenty20 bowling as well."

He has been working on his fitness in the off-season in an effort to prevent the recurrence of a troublesome side strain which sidelined him twice last year.