Cricket: Back-up now a bona fide No 5

Grant Elliott has proven a worthy contender for a starting spot at the World Cup. Photo / Getty Images

In September, Grant Elliott made a prescient statement which resonates now.

"I can produce a Stephen Donald moment, should it be required," he laughed, in reference to the former All Blacks first-five kicking the winning penalty in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final.

It was an off-the-cuff remark about the cricketing equivalent, as Elliott, a realist, knew his chances of breaking into a middle order containing Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum were slim. He was making a case for being a suitable back-up in a crisis. Now he's the bona fide No5.

Could Elliott be New Zealand cricket's Beaver-in-waiting?

McCullum's decision to open has enabled Elliott, through strong form on the New Zealand A tour of Britain and excellent Ford Trophy and Georgie Pie Super Smash numbers, to establish himself.

He stuttered on his return in Christchurch after more than a year out of ODIs and with a family health issue preying on his mind.

"I faced five balls and tried to get out four times, so there were a few nerves but, after I sorted everything else out, it was about peeling my game back and being as simple as possible with my thoughts. I've proven to myself I can succeed at this level, now it's about being as consistent as possible."

In four contrasting innings, Elliott has showed he is a viable option.

The 44 in Nelson showed New Zealand's chasing skills under pressure, the subsequent 104 not out demonstrated his ability to right an innings that was struggling at 93 for five and his 21 off 14 was a useful cameo in a big total. Yesterday he was assured, finishing on 64 not out.

Elliott's role will gravitate towards being a supporting actor in a star cast of batsmen. He is no showman and, as a seasoned professional, knows the value of rotating the strike and motivating others towards collective success.

That was evident at the media conference after his world record unbeaten sixth-wicket partnership of 267 with Luke Ronchi. Elliott said he was unaware of what record had been broken.

He is classified as a batting all-rounder but expect him to bowl a handful of overs in which he approaches the crease, according to the Alternative Commentary Collective, "like a hairy javelin". That lithe appearance is also handy as a versatile outfielder with assured hands.

If the Johannesburg-born 35-year- old turns out for New Zealand for the World Cup opener on February 14, it will realise a dream he thought had passed when he missed selection for the 2011 edition.

It wasn't the first World Cup in which he suffered a setback.

"The 1992 World Cup was the reason I started playing cricket," Elliott says. "My mum let me stay at home to watch South Africa versus Australia. I got suspended from school as a result, and wasn't allowed to play cricket in the Wednesday and Saturday games.

"It was well worth it, though. That tournament made me realise I wanted to be a professional cricketer at age 12-13. I feel fortunate and blessed to be in this team."

The conversation that prompted Elliott's Donald reference in September was because he is a poster child for the Players' Association in developing skills to prepare for a life beyond the game. Elliott has studied for a BA in applied management.

"Professional sport is demanding and the nature of cricket means there are probably more downs than ups," he said at the time.

"The Players' Association makes sure you realise cricket isn't the be-all and end-all of life and that you can put unnecessary pressure on yourself if it becomes the sole focus. You need to compartmentalise with a balanced lifestyle."

After Thursday's loss to Sri Lanka, that perspective hadn't changed.

"I get to enjoy cricket because I know I've got a life outside it," he said. "As opposed to every innings being your last, I enjoy it for what it is. Hitting a leather ball in front of a crowd is great fun."

Elliott should know. He endured an international hiatus from December 2010 until January 2013 when he was recalled in the pursuit of stability for the victorious one-day series in South Africa during Ross Taylor's self-imposed absence. Then there was another break from November 2013 until last month.

"I've experienced a lot of different cultures, including five coaches and, in comparing them, this is the best environment I've been in. The players are so selfless and everyone's geared towards winning.

"The KPI [key performance indicator] to a great environment is when guys who haven't been there for a while come into the team and do well. We've seen that over the last year or so."

Elliott is the embodiment of proof.

Grant Elliott

Age:

35

Tests:

5

Batting:

86 runs at 10.75

Bowling:

4 wickets at 35

One-dayers:

57

Batting:

1271 runs at 34.35

Bowling:

25 wickets at 26.72

Twenty20s:

3

Batting:

42 runs at 21

Bowling:

1 wicket at 31

Did you know?

Elliott made one appearance for South Africa A before shifting to New Zealand in 2001. He earned his residency in 2007 at about the same time he was included in a 30-man preliminary squad for the World Twenty20 and made his Black Caps debut in 2008.