Rob Nicol couldn't handle it but recalled Tauranga batsman Daniel Flynn won't shy away from taking on the troublesome opener's spot for the Black Caps if it's on offer.
The in-form left-hander has been included in the Black Caps squad for Friday's third test against South Africa at the Basin Reserve and seems destined to open with Martin Guptill, despite the 26-year-old having opened just once in 29 test innings.
National selection manager Kim Littlejohn pointed to Flynn partnering Guptill and national coach John Wright indicated as much when he phoned Flynn on Saturday night, with Brendon McCullum seemingly set to stay at three. He is one of three Tauranga players in the 13-strong squad, joining middle order batsman Kane Williamson and recalled left-arm seamer Trent Boult.
Flynn's selection came via a purple patch in the Plunket Shield for Northern Districts, with his last five innings yielding scores of 113 not-out, 47, 68, 136 and an unbeaten 68 on Sunday against Auckland, with rain yesterday ensuring he didn't get to add to that tally.
The former Tauranga Boys' College student said yesterday he'd bat anywhere he was required. "I'm more than happy to bat wherever and I don't think anything's been set in stone yet.
"I'll have a chat with Wrighty when we go into camp [tonight] and I'm likely to have a clearer indication then of where I'll slot in. Wherever that is, it's an opportunity to challenge yourself against a world class [team].
"It won't be an easy reintroduction to international cricket against a South African lineup I rate as the best pace bowling attack going around right now but that's what every cricketer plays the game for, to test yourself against the best."
Flynn debuted against England at Lord's in 2008 and has filled seven batting positions in 16 tests, averaging 28.70. He has played two tests at the Basin Reserve, both in 2009, where he scored 2 and 10 against India and 20 and 29 against Pakistan before being dropped after the Napier test against Pakistan in December that year.
He had surgery last October to tidy up cartilage in his right hip joint and shave bone off the femoral head after his movement at the crease and in the field had become increasingly difficult over the previous 12 months.
A gutsy, no-frills cricketer, Flynn was thrilled to get another shot at the top level after almost three years away. "A few months ago I was probably looking a long way off but I'm pretty happy with how it's all gone, getting back to domestic cricket, proving my fitness and managing to score a few runs and put myself in contention. The hip's still giving me a bit of grief but it's being managed well through games and, fingers crossed, it's going to keep improving."
Runs didn't come easily for Flynn when he eventually did come back but he battled his way back into form.
"It's a mindset thing, and to be honest the first couple of games back were a struggle until it all came together with a bit of hard work. Once you get on a roll with scoring runs it's important to remain consistent and keep trying to churn the runs out.
"I'm a better player now than when I last played for New Zealand, with time away to reassess my game, and I'm hopeful what I've put in place will make me more successful this time around.
"Being out so long has fuelled the fire. Once you've had a taste [and get dropped] you'd like to get back in there as soon as possible.
"It's taken me a bit longer than I would have liked but it's on me now to take the opportunity."