Cricket: Watling stays on as keeper

B-J Watling will get an extended run behind the stumps after an impressive display in the Zimbabwe test. Photo / Getty Images

B-J Watling will be Northern Districts' wicketkeeper in Plunket Shield matches up until the start of the South African test series.

His rise from a top order provincial batsman to the regular test gloveman and No 7 has been remarkable, especially given it's occurred in the space of the past month.

Watling proved capable in the Zimbabwe test whether it was scoring a maiden test century, keeping up to Daniel Vettori's spin or back to the quartet's pace.

He gave away just four byes and took four catches in the second innings before being endorsed by stand-in skipper and former test keeper Brendon McCullum.

Northern Districts coach Grant Bradburn confirmed he will support "whatever is best for the Black Caps".

That means Watling will keep against Central Districts in Gisborne starting on February 17 and Canterbury in Rangiora a week later.

He is likely to return to the test camp during the next match against Otago in Hamilton starting on March 2.

The first test against South Africa begins on March 7 in Dunedin.

"We will look to prepare B-J in the best way possible for that next test, so logically that means he'll keep," Bradburn said.

"He'll play Hawke Cup cricket next week [for defenders Hamilton from February 10-12]. We'll make an assessment on how he's going from there."

The flipside to Watling's sharp career trajectory is that Peter McGlashan - midway through his eighth season as ND's first-choice gloveman - is forced to fight for a spot with the bat. Ironically, McGlashan took over from the then 19-year-old Watling in 2004 as ND sought a permanent keeper after Rob Hart retired.

McGlashan's likely to return as keeper for the final four matches of the Plunket Shield season.

Being No 2 will be little consolation as the 32-year-old enters the sunset years of his career that saw him play Twenty20 internationals and feature on most domestic wicketkeeping record tables. He has also been a pioneer for cricket gear, notably wicketkeeping masks and lightweight pads.

Bradburn still wants the best for McGlashan as a loyal ND servant. "Peter has the chance to fight for a batting spot in the top seven when we meet Auckland in a three-day 'A' game on Tuesday at Weymouth [in Counties-Manukau]. There is plenty of depth in the squad and we'll have a strong top six if B-J and Dan [Vettori] are available.

"I have the utmost respect for Peter's skills. I'm keen to promote both him and B-J for higher honours. Peter is a superb finisher with the bat, particularly in T20. He's no liability in the field either; he can be lethal without the gloves."

With Plunket Shield captain Brad Wilson, Hamish and James Marshall and a returning Daniel Flynn expected starters, McGlashan faces competition for what's likely to amount to one final batting spot against Joseph Yovich, Anton Devcich, Brook Hatwell, Daryl Mitchell and Corey Anderson (when he returns to fitness).

Yovich, 35, is a front-runner as he returns from concussion, having opened recently and averaged 40.60 for the season. Devcich is also pushing strongly for a middle order spot after unbeaten scores of 101 and 79 to finish the Ford Trophy.