Cricket: Beige Brigade challenge sees Astle getting his mo-jo back

With the prospect of facing up to Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie less than two weeks away, you'd think the biggest thing on Nathan Astle's mind would be how to score runs.

But ahead of Thursday week's Twenty20 clash at Eden Park, Astle is thinking about hairy lips, or the lack of hair on his upper lip.

With the Beige Brigade offering "a lot" of beer to the Black Cap who grows the best moustache, the pressure is on to get all Tom Selleck about things.

"I'll give it a crack but I don't know what my chances are going to be like," said the normally clean-shaven Cantabrian.

"I think I could grow a good beard but around the moustache area I might struggle a bit."

Yesterday Astle was spotted at Hagley Oval during Canterbury's State Shield match against Otago sporting what could only be described as a wispy growth.

Astle's East Shirley club might have more success with its other international, the once-handlebarred Craig McMillan.

"I'm sure there'll be a few funny-looking fellows out there."

Astle said his wife had not allowed the 'pursuit of hirsute' in the past but has given Astle the all-clear this time.

It will be the second new experience of the week for Astle. He hasn't had any opportunities to play Twenty20 but has enjoyed what he's seen so far.

"It's been on TV and all I've seen is full houses and a lot of fun. I have my fingers crossed it will take off here."

Astle is the type of player whose game would seem to be suited to the crash-bash-wallop tactics of Twenty20.

"Absolutely. I enjoy the one-day form of the game. From a player's view it's another form of the game so you're going to need some different skills," he said.

"I don't think it's all get out there and bash it - there's more to it than that. I'm sure the guys are looking forward to it but the big thing is to get the crowds in.

"It only takes around three hours to complete and in this day and age not many people have got the time to sit down for a total of eight hours and watch a game of cricket, which is understandable," Astle said.

"But if parents can take their kids to the ground for three hours that's obviously going to be more appealing."

Astle believes there is scope to make it a part of the domestic calendar next season.

"I think it would be a great idea from the feedback we've had from England and South Africa as well," he said.

"With regard to the game that took place in Australia, the feedback has been all positive. It's something I'm sure that New Zealand Cricket will look at."