Cricket: Milne will grab his chance to make mark in T20 mix

Adam Milne intends to seize his opportunity. Photo / Getty Images

It shouldn't sound like a final audition but if Adam Milne grabs his chance in the next six days he could thrust his name firmly into New Zealand's world T20 mix.

Milne, New Zealand's most rapid bowler but at 21 with piles of learning ahead, was unlucky during the ODI series against the West Indies, when weather conditions dented his hopes to show his credentials.

He is in the 12 for the T20 games at Eden Park tomorrow and Wellington next Wednesday.

They are New Zealand's last two preparatory games for the world tournament, starting in Bangladesh on March 16. Bangladesh is not the friendliest environment for quick bowlers, but in a squad of 15 there's a smidgen of wriggle room to pick a wildcard.

Milne has played just four T20s, two in 2010 and two in 2012, with Pakistani Umar Akmal his sole wicket.

"I just want to go out and give my best and try to show the coaches what I can offer the team," he said.

Milne is something of a cause celebre within the New Zealand game. One argument is that he's potentially being wasted in short form cricket. He should be tailored for the test game. That's where Milne's ambition lies, and it's where New Zealand bowling coach Shane Bond is confident he'll end up.

"When you grow up as a kid and see test match cricket, it's always been the one you really aim for," Milne, 21, said.

He played Plunket Shield in the early part of this season for Central Districts, taking eight wickets in 96 overs.

His ability to be seriously slippery means he's being closely watched.

"I've no doubt he's going to have an outstanding career for New Zealand," Bond said. "We all know the pace he bowls at, he has skills to swing the ball both ways and has good variation. He just needs to play."

Bond pointed to the time it takes to learn the arts and gather up the lessons to be a real force.

"There's always a danger period when you're younger adjusting to the intensity, but I've no doubt he'll play the longer form of the game.

"I certainly think he's a test bowler; I wouldn't pigeon-hole him as a one-day bowler.

"He's a very good athlete, very fit. He's had injury problems but so do a lot of bowlers adjusting to the rigours of first-class cricket.

"Some days he'll go around the park, but there aren't too many around the world who bowl at his pace. The ones who do, with experience under their belt, are match winners."

Milne sees an attacking role for himself in the T20s.

But he hopes to become a bowler who not only chips away wickets but can also play a restrictive role in terms of run concession.

And he expects the West Indies will come hard at him, when he gets his chance.

"Yeah, and especially having played just a few games you always want to take on the new guy," he quipped.

"So I've got to make sure I've got enough plans to counteract that."