New Zealand's own Thommo

New Zealand have not had the best of times on the cricket field off late. They struggled in the West Indies, and the struggle continues, so far, in India. So what would they say if they were offered the services of say, a Jeff Thomson? Enter Ryan O'Kane.

An actor from New Zealand, O'Kane has spent the past few months perfecting the distinctive slingshot action of Thommo, for his latest role: that of the tearaway quick in Howzat! Kerry Packer's War, a much-anticipated Australian television drama. Presumably, he has a flair for cricket too - he also stars in Save Your Legs, an Aussie film featuring comedy, cricket, Bollywood and Sir Richard Hadlee in a cameo role.

So how about stepping in and giving the national team a hand? It has crossed his mind, he told the New Zealand Herald in jest. "I think I'm going to get away from the acting and give the Black Caps a call," O'Kane said. "They are [already] paying me to go out and play a game of cricket."