Blackcaps batsman Henry Nicholls full of confidence and primed for breakthrough season

You don’t have to tell Henry Nicholls twice that his place in the Blackcaps side was under threat this time last year.

Somewhat of an under-performer during his brief international career to date, the 26-year-old needed to make a statement that he was the man for the number five position in the Blackcaps' batting order.

"Any time you're playing international sport you’re going to be under a bit of pressure in terms of your spot," Nicholls told Newshub.

"I feel like I’ve taken my game up another level."

The Cantabrian came agonisingly close to his maiden Test century at his home ground of Hagley Oval against Bangladesh last year, a sign he was where the coaches needed him to be at this level.

In a way, missing that ton was almost a blessing in disguise, helping him avoid the unwanted chatter of “He can only do it against a lowly ranked team."

It only took until the following series that he hoisted the monkey off his back, the 118 he made against South Africa in Wellington in March proving he has what it takes to hold down the number five spot.

"That was nice from personal aspect [that game] but disappointing we didn’t get the result as a team," he said.

But the 14-Test international knows the responsibility on him will be even greater this time around.  Incumbent BJ Watling's hip injury has seen him replaced by rookie Tom Blundell, and Nicholls will likely be batting alongside the debutant.

"BJ has been such a cornerstone of that middle and lower order, working the bowlers as well as the guys up the top.

"If I get to bat with Tom, I’ll definitely be looking to share some of my experience with him to make it as easy as possible for him."

Now with 14 Test caps and a century under his belt, Nicholls will have an opportunity to add to those tallies when the first Test against the West Indies gets underway at the Basin Reserve on Friday.

Newshub.