Cricket: Bad run not fazing Stewart

Shanan Stewart is remarkably relaxed for someone edging closer to cricket's version of the last chance saloon.

The Black Caps middle-order batsman missed out again in the first ODI in Bangladesh on Thursday, making just two as the New Zealand side fell to a surprise nine-run loss.

That followed scores of four and six against Australia in March and, with the team employing a rotation policy on this tour, there may be precious few further opportunities to prove he can perform at the highest level.

"I've missed out a few times," admits Stewart, "and obviously it is my job to get runs and I haven't done that so far but I think the guys have made me feel pretty welcome. I train pretty hard and I love the set-up."

The 28-year-old has a solid record at domestic level in New Zealand. He got his chance earlier this year after notching successive first-class scores of 161 and 227 not out in the Plunket Shield. He failed to capitalise then but finds himself back in the frame after the non-selection of Martin Guptill and the injury-forced withdrawal of Scott Styris.

"I've done a lot of hard work. I definitely feel ready to perform. You just need to keep backing yourself. I must have done something right or I wouldn't have got picked. That is the attitude I have to have - to keep believing in myself. It's a funny old game. I could be looking back in a few performances' time and have done well, so you never know."

It certainly seems a fine opportunity for the Canterbury right-hander to press his World Cup claims in front of two of the three selectors. Bangladesh are the perennial improvers of international cricket but let's face it - they are still Bangladesh. They have recently been beaten by Ireland and the Netherlands - hardly renowned cricketing nations - and their win against the Black Caps was just their second in 18 ODIs against them.

Stewart, who lost six kilos in the off season as he embarked on an intense fitness regime, hopes his brand of attacking cricket pays off at the highest level.

"I'm a positive scorer when going well. You are going to have your odd day where it doesn't quite work but hopefully you are going to have a few more better ones than bad ones."

After the second ODI was washed out on Friday, Vettori's men face a must-win clash on Monday to retain any hope of taking the five-match series. Stewart, who concedes things have been below par, is adamant the team will turn it around.

"We played pretty badly - our fielding, batting and bowling wasn't up to scratch," he says. "I am sure if we can play even 10 per cent better we will come out the right side of the ledger. There is a lot of resolve in this team and the next game will show what we have got."

Meanwhile, there seems a little touch of irony in the Black Caps being awarded the grandly named ICC Spirit of Cricket award this week, getting the honour for the second year in succession and the third in total. Isn't this the same team that is often criticised for not showing enough spirit and heart, for not demonstrating sufficient desire and dedication when the going gets really tough?

Fans around the country are often frustrated by a team that has obvious talent but rarely performs to its full potential.

New Zealand cricket has trumpeted the award as a great achievement, but it appears to be the equivalent of Fifa's numerous fair play awards that mean nothing. Is it just a coincidence that Australia and South Africa, over recent years the two most consistent performers in the world, have never come close to winning the Spirit of Cricket award?

Back in Bangladesh, interest in the third ODI will centre around a probable debut for Canterbury paceman Hamish Bennett, who offers genuine pace and bounce, having spiked the radar at up to 140km/h. Another loss tomorrow may put the pressure on rotation, as Vettori will surely turn to his established men to save the series. Stewart knows it is time to seize the moment.

"I would like to cement myself in the team," he says, "with a couple of match-winning performances".

He admits the subcontinent has been an eye-opener, though the team is basically confined to the hotel outside training and practice times. They find ways to pass the time - making use of the hotel pool and gym as well as "endless" cups of tea and coffee - though Stewart has so far steered clear of the card sessions.

"With some of the guys in the team it is a bit out of my price limit," laughs Stewart. "They bet a bit too big."