Sometimes a sportsman needs a turning point to realise their career potential. In the 2014-15 Ford Trophy Cleaver, a former New Zealand under-19 gloveman and schoolboy prodigy at Palmerston North Boys' High School, delivered three half-centuries on his way to 292 runs at an average of 58.40 and strike rate of 111. His maiden first-class century came last summer with 151 not out against Wellington in Napier. This season he's continued his red ball form with another century and half-century and looks compact and accomplished off the back foot. His glovework is understood to need more scrutiny but, at 24, he has started to take steps towards being recognised as a keeping contender.
Tom Blundell (Wellington)
The former New Zealand under-19 wicketkeeper's stocks are building. His selection for New Zealand 'A', who had their first-class fixture against Pakistan thwarted by weather, indicates he's held in high regard. Twelve catches and a stumping alongside 244 runs at 61 in the Plunket Shield this season have hinted at quality. The 26-year-old's also shown a penchant for whipping off a batsman's bails in the shorter forms. Considered more of a worker than belter of the ball, last season's List A strike rate of 80 and Twenty20 strike rate of 111 show he can accelerate.
Glenn Phillips (Auckland)
An outside chance here but, at 19, the South African-born opener has a promising career ahead. With forearms like a youthful Popeye, he demonstrates an explosive array of strokes. Phillips earned acclaim at England's Arundel venue on May 22 this year. He became the first batsman to record six sixes in an over at the ground, while playing for the Marylebone Cricket Club against the Duke of Norfolk XI. He made 201 off 123 balls before the declaration. Phillips did his share of keeping for the MCC and has done likewise for Auckland 'A'. He is yet to play T20s for Auckland.
