Adam Parore: Wilson's selection a brave move

Jeff Wilson's recall to the New Zealand one-day side caught me by surprise.

I did not think he was that close to the selection frame. Having said that I reckon it's a gutsy, brave call and I applaud John Bracewell and his fellow selectors for taking the punt.

There are several aspects to Wilson's selection for the World XI series. Let's clear up one point first. Those who believe he's been recalled largely as a gimmick to inject a bit of extra interest for the series are being disrespectful to Wilson for two reasons: his sporting ability and his international record.

He was a significant All Black for many years, and when he played for New Zealand in that one-day cricket series against Australia he virtually won one match on his own. He is a gifted sports performer.

Okay, that was 12 years ago and he's been away from cricket for a long time. If you were looking at his one-day figures this season for Otago, he would not be at the top of your selection list.

I am sure there is sympathy for Auckland allrounders Tama Canning and Andre Adams, who would have been very close to getting Wilson's spot.

I can understand that, but there are two ways of looking at this issue.

On one hand it could be argued Wilson simply hasn't done enough to justify his selection, and it's tough on the other two allrounders.

Or you could take the perspective that there is no fixed prescription on what is the right way to get into a team. It's what you do once you're in there that counts.

That might sound like throwing the form guide theory of selection in the rubbish bin, but let's look at what Wilson could bring to the Black Caps.

He's got a good temperament, he's got experience, he has credibility and not least he's a good cricketer.

He will be hugely respected within the New Zealand unit. Remember, some of the younger players grew up looking at Jeff as a hero through his All Black exploits.

I can see him bringing a new dynamic to the squad. It will stimulate discussion among them, they'll talk about how certain off-field situations would have been handled by the All Blacks.

There will be plenty of cross-pollination of ideas. I can see a substantial benefit coming from that.

On the field it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if he turns in a special performance at some point in the series. He's that sort of sportsman, a rare talent and someone with a knack for doing memorable things.

Wilson comes with the capability of providing an X-factor. At times when I played against him I remember thinking he was lucky.

He took five catches in a one-day game for Otago. Why him, not the bloke fielding 20m away?

He's the guy who whacks four fours in one over out of the blue, or grabs three wickets in one over. After a while that sort of thing happens often enough that you start to think maybe there's something else there.

Another point: He's 31. So what? Bracewell and Co will get four years out of him if he proves he can bring something new to the table. That means the next World Cup.

He's fit and the selectors have a free shot with him, as the World XI games are not official ODIs.

Should the selectors have introduced another couple of players they're looking at? Names such as Central Districts opener Jamie How have been mentioned.

In my view, no, because it's a pretty successful, competitive one-day side. Adding other faces would amount to tinkering with that squad. Wilson is an add-on, not tinkering.

New Zealand are not good enough to win a World Cup, or to beat Australia over, say, a seven-match series. They need a leg up, another element to throw into the equation. Wilson could be that element.

* Adam Parore is a former New Zealand wicketkeeper