Pocket-sized New Zealand opener Chris Nevin returned from South Africa today with plenty to think about in his future approach to one-day cricket.
Nevin, who was selected as a specialist opener for the One-Day Internationals against Zimbabwe, the International Cricket Council KnockOut tournament and the South African series, struggled to make an impression against the big home side's fast men.
He played only six of 11 ODIs on the tour, missing several due to another injury which forced him home early to undergo a recovery programme. He also lost the wicket-keeping gloves to test incumbent Adam Parore.
Nevin did have one significant innings, a 68 at Kimberley, which set up New Zealand's total of 287-6. South Africa just managed to get home in front.
But Nevin said he was quite happy to be out in the field.
"I've got a few things to work on," he said.
The quality of the South African bowlers was such that they were quick to work out batsmen.
"They targeted that and I went into the Kimberley game with the attitude that it was my last chance and I was pleased to perform under pressure.
"I got a good nut in the next game and then played an average shot in the last," he said.
All of the bowlers had tested him.
"Shaun Pollock, they were all amazing. The lines they bowl are so good.
"I changed my guard to create a little more width at one stage and that worked to some extent. But they managed to get a lot of bounce on pitches that were perfect for them," he said.
Nevin said once he got over a scar tissue problem in Zimbabwe, he was fine and came home feeling fit and ready to take part in Wellington's Shell Super Max semi-finals this weekend in Auckland.
