However, he had an awkward start to his international career. In two Twenty20 internationals against Pakistan last December he scored a duck (run out after five balls) and five runs (off a further five balls) when he edged a cross bat swish behind off Shoaib Akhtar. Importantly coach John Wright has signalled his faith in Brownlie for some time so he's likely to feature further this summer, particularly in Australia. He grew up as a back foot expert on hard, fast wickets including stints playing age group cricket for Western Australia.
Canterbury coach Bob Carter says Brownlie has been a welcome addition for more than just cricketing skills.
"It was a brave move to leave his family for Christchurch because it is not always the easiest place to fit into. [Former New Zealand batting coach] Mark O'Neill rang to alert me to him and said guys like [former Australian limited overs representative] Ryan Campbell had given him a nod of approval in Perth.
"He's a level-headed lad; certainly not presumptuous. He saved his pennies helping people with their strength and conditioning and always had an 'I'll give this a go' attitude. He joined the Riccarton club who looked after him."
Canterbury captain Peter Fulton says Brownlie made an immediate impact, as he has with the test team.
"No one had heard of him much when he forced his way in during the first half of the [2009-10] season. He played a couple of decent cameos in the Twenty20s and kicked on. He always looked like he belonged but I think it is forgotten what a courageous decision it was to make the move.
"He is strong off the back foot in particular. He doesn't look to get forward initially but is good off the front foot when he needs to be.
"He's a pretty quiet guy who doesn't like talking about himself much. He fits in well but the boys give him a bit of grief because he likes to have his hair done the right way," laughs Fulton who has little use for a comb these days himself.
Brownlie's presence has also been remembered further afield. As an 18-year-old in 2003, he joined the Whitstable club in the Kent premier league. Club stalwart and groundsman Mike Tritton remembers a match winner. In a one-dayer against rivals Lordswood, Brownlie hit 53 off 15 balls, including four fours and six sixes.
"I think the 50 might've come up in 12 balls," Tritton says, happily fuelling the yarn. "A Kent first class bowler by the name of Kevin Masters was producing more bounce and pace but Dean kept producing more hits.
"He was an absolute gentleman; unbelievably shy at times but fondly remembered. He liked his sleep, mind you. He'd quite happily snore off into the middle of the afternoon."
