Fresh from scoring his maiden international century, the New Zealand cricketer Neil Broom has batted aside speculation he could be called into the Test team.
Neil Broom celebrates his century Photo: Photosport
109 not out in the Black Caps' 67 run ODI win over Bangladesh on Friday, Broom batted at number four in place of Ross Taylor.
Following eye surgery, Taylor returned to cricket yesterday with a massive 82 for the Central Stags in their domestic T20 win over Auckland.
Taylor's selection for the first Test on January the 12th is imminent, but the number five position in New Zealand's batting order could be up for grabs.
Henry Nicholls has held the spot since February, but after nine tests the 25-year-old only averages 24.23.
One day wicket-keeper Luke Ronchi filled in at number five during New Zealand's ill-fated tour of India in September, but despite an admirable 80 in Kanpur, Ronchi was just a stopgap.
Henry Nicholls Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Fourteen Test veteran Dean Brownlie was called into the Black Caps Test squad last month as injury cover for Taylor, but the 32-year-old's services were not required.
Brownlie last played a Test in 2013 and could be considered the next cab off the rank.
While selectors are likely to persist with Nicholls, an argument could be made that the left-hander would benefit from a spell in the wilderness.
That could open the door Brownlie or the 33-year-old Broom, who demonstrated on his recall to the national team after his own three year absence, hunger and aptitude for scoring international runs.
Broom said his only focus, however, was Saturday's third and final ODI in Nelson.
"I'm not worried about Test cricket at the moment. I just want to back up a hundred with another contribution to winning a game for New Zealand," he said.
"Then we'll see what happens. The selectors can do what they want."
- RNZ