Peter Ingram says he's played too much cricket to get nervous any more. Photo / Getty Images
If Peter Ingram had a dose of nerves ahead of his long-awaited first international bat he disguised it well.
The Central Districts opener was the secondary figure as New Zealand raced to 79 for none to clean up Bangladesh by 10 wickets in Hamilton on Wednesday night.
Still, his 20
not out at least gave him a taste and whetted his appetite for more.
"I loved it, fantastic," the 31-year-old said yesterday as New Zealand prepared for today's opening ODI against the Bangladeshis in Napier.
He had one life, as did opening partner Brendon McCullum, but there were some forceful strokes to show he's unlikely to go tentatively about his business.
Twelve years ago Ingram was part of a New Zealand under-19 team at the world tournament in South Africa. It's been a long wait for the next chance to wear the silver fern and he's not about to waste it.
"I've played too many years to get nervous and worry about things," Ingram said.
"I used to be nervous as a young fella. The first three or four years of my career I used to get quite cut up, but for the last four years I've just played to enjoy it and stayed loyal to my routines."
Missing out with the bat merely means "you have to move on, keep backing yourself".
Sheer weight of runs meant the national selectors could no longer ignore Ingram's claims for an international callup.
Ingram has hit 2672 first-class runs at an impressive average of 58.0 since the 2006-07 summer, but his limited-overs form has been eye-catching too.
By his own admission, Ingram's shot locker is far from loaded with an exotic variety of strokes.
His policy is to stick to what works for him.
"My technique is about keeping my feet really still and making the right decisions," he said.
"I've only got three or four shots that I play and hopefully they bowl in those areas and I'll be trying to thump it."
In which case there's been plenty of bowling served up as if by order from Ingram as he's cashed in, caught the eye and now goes about making the most of his opportunity.
