Cricket: Whipping boy now holding the whip

From whipping boy to one of the first names on John Bracewell's team sheet, that's the bizarre journey of Kyle Mills.

Little more than a year ago Mills was greeted with incredulity when he was preferred ahead of forgotten man Ian Butler for two tests in Australia. Now he's repaying the faith.

Mills has always had fans within the squad but has struggled to win over the public. Yesterday he took 3-31 from 10 overs, with 10 of those runs coming from one errant over.

Mills has benefited from consistency of selection and not having to bowl at the death, a role he was not best equipped for. He's also developed a happy knack of taking early wickets - Daryl who?

Mills thought the Sri Lankans struggled to adapt after playing on the subcontinent against India recently. "Our plan was to get into them early and bowl a bit shorter than normal. It came off."

Mills puts his recent successes - he was one of few bowlers to emerge from the Australian series on the credit side - to an extended run in the team.

"What's helped me the most is I've been injury-free. I'm bowling continuously which has helped my rhythm.

"It's the experience factor. I've got a few games under my belt which has given me a bit more confidence at international level."

Jacob Oram and Shane Bond, playing his first international in New Zealand since 2002-03, combined to give New Zealand a varied attack of outswing (Mills), fast inswing (Bond), and awkward bounce (Oram).

Throw in Dan Vettori's impeccable left-arm spin and you have a well-balanced attack. Bracewell would expect more from Chris Cairns who appeared to be struggling for rhythm yesterday, costing 42 from his eight overs.

His one wicket, however, edged him to 199 ODI wickets.

"I think the most pleasing aspect was the way Jacob Oram bowled," captain Daniel Vettori said. "He's had a little bit of a tough time through the Aussie series but I thought he was back to his best."

It was a disciplined bowling performance from the team, conceding just four wides and one no-ball in 47.2 overs. They had no problems at the death either, due mainly to the fact Sri Lanka were all but out by 45 overs.

Mills hasn't ruled out another shot at the poisoned chalice: "I'm always willing to do it. We've got four guys practising hard. If required, I'll put my hand up."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY