Mustard keen to catch selectors' eyes
Tim Ambrose might be the selectors' first choice as Test keeper for the forthcoming New Zealand series, but Phil Mustard - rather oddly bracketed as a one-day opener-cum-keeper - is determined to force his way in, as Richard Rae finds out
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
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Tim Ambrose might be the selectors' first choice as Test keeper for the forthcoming New Zealand series, but Phil Mustard - rather oddly bracketed as a one-day opener-cum-keeper - is determined to force his way in, as Richard Rae finds out in today's Guardian.
In New Zealand the one-day matches are also before the Tests, and Mustard, described last season by Shane Warne as "the best wicketkeeper/batsman in England", is confident he can score enough runs and keep wicket well enough to secure his place for the five-day matches.
"It was good to play in the one-day internationals, but it's only when you've made it into the Test team that you can say you've made the grade, and hopefully I'll get a chance to prove I'm a Test player," said the 24-year-old. "I worked hard on my batting during the seven or eight weeks we were in Sri Lanka, and over the last couple of weeks here at Chester-Le-Street.
"When it came to the one-dayers my instructions were to go out and play positively, the way I do for Durham. I didn't go on to get the big scores I would have liked [his top score was 28], but I did get the team off to a bit of a flyer in the first two matches. The coaches and I had a few chats after the series, and the message was to be a bit less extravagant - to remain positive, but pick the right ball. Obviously I'll have to progress and bat longer in New Zealand, but my aim is to make them pick me."
Will Luke is assistant editor of ESPNcricinfo