Elliott relishes all-round role

Grant Elliott's 56 marked him out as a vital all-rounder for a developing New Zealand

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Grant Elliott has set his sights on playing regularly for New Zealand after shining with bat and ball for his adopted country following a late call-up into the NatWest Series with England.

Elliott has gone down the Kevin Pietersen route of qualifying for a country other than his native South Africa.

While Pietersen has established himself as a key performer with England, Elliott had to rely on a hamstring injury to Kiwi all-rounder Jacob Oram to force his way into the touring squad.

The 29-year-old, who had been playing club cricket with Weybridge in the Surrey League, has quickly made an impression with the Black Caps.

He returned 3-23 on his one-day debut at Edgbaston last Wedneday and then registered a decisive half-century in the win at Bristol on Saturday.

Elliott, who played one Test against England during the winter at Napier, will remain with the squad for the final two games at the Brit Oval and Lord’s even though all-rounder Oram could be fit to play purely as a batsman.

He said: “To play regular international cricket is the aim of every first-class cricketer. I think a little bit of luck is involved. You can see that with my selection.

“I was playing for Weybridge in Division One of the Surrey League with the chance that someone in the New Zealand squad might get injured and suddenly I get called up and can fill a position.

“It was definitely a case of ’right place and the right time’ and I feel fortunate. I love playing for New Zealand. It is an awesome feeling.

“When I played in the Test against England in the winter the moment was quite big for me, quite emotional, because it was something I always wanted to do as a child.

Jacob Oram's return would not necessarily displace Elliott

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“I thought it was going to be with South Africa but now New Zealand is my country of choice. I love New Zealand and running on to the field for your country, there is no better feeling than that.”

Elliott can remember doing battle with Pietersen as a youngster in South Africa.

He said: “I played junior cricket against Kevin, colts, Under-19s and that kind of stuff. He used to bat at eight and bowl off-spin in those days.

“I think he has changed a little bit since then! He could hit a long ball even then. He still hits it now - but now he hits it consistently.

“There are a lot of South Africans who have moved to other countries and it is a matter of adapting to the culture if you decide to move and have a passion for playing.”

Elliott could not contain his delight at being on the winning side for the Kiwis for the first time at Bristol.

He said: “That was my first win for New Zealand and it was a pretty special moment. I wish I had thought to grab one of the stumps at the end!

“It is an amazing feeling. I don’t think anything can top that.

“Now we want to win this series and we have put ourselves in a great position to follow through with that now. Is there a better place to win a series than in England?”

Elliott looks certain to keep his place even if Oram is fit but he is taking nothing for granted.

He said: “I was initially told I was with the squad until the Bristol game. Now it is until Wednesday. I’m just taking it from game to game.

“We will see what happens in the next game because we have got a lot of talented players in the squad. Maybe with me being here does provide a couple of options and different combinations in the team.”