Blackaps Test batsman Jeet Raval has his eyes firmly fixated on becoming the New Zealand opener in all formats of the game.
The 29-year-old has cemented his spot at the top of the order in the whites for the Kiwis, registering six half-centuries in just nine matches.
Often seen as a conservative batsman by even first-class standards, Raval starred for a New Zealand XI side in their six-wicket win over the West Indies in a warm-up match in Whangarei on Saturday (NZT).
Raval led from the front, with a sensational knock of 169 off just 150 balls, before only losing his wicket with two overs left in the 50-over a side game.
But Raval will play no part in the one-day series against the West Indies with Central Districts opener, with George Worker the preferred option the Blackcaps.
The Test specialist admits the goal is to be a regular for the Blackcaps in white-ball cricket in the near future.
"I would love to be part of that set-up and I know I'm playing Test cricket at the moment, but it would be nice to be playing T20 and one-day cricket at the same time as well because it's a lot of fun.
"Hopefully I can be part of that set-up in the next couple of years."
Despite the performance with the bat against the tourists in the one-day series lead-up game, Raval has historically struggled to performed domestically in limited overs cricket.
With just the one ton in his 40-match career in New Zealand, Raval admits his form hasn't been good enough to yet warrant international selection, but hopes to change that.
"In the past I haven't put those performances on board.
"I can't say that I deserve an opportunity, but it's up to me over the next few months that when there's a lot of white-ball cricket coming up to put up numbers like this.
"For me it's all about going out there and performing for my team and making a match-winning contribution every time I go out there.
"If I can do that consistently then I know that the higher honours will look after itself in years to come."
While Raval and his largely inexperienced New Zealand XI side beat the tourists in comprehensive fashion, he believes they will be a different beast with Chris Gayle in the side.
"He's an X-factor player and we all know that I'm sure Blackcaps bowlers will have some plans for him before they got out on the park," he says.
"They're a quality side and if they turn up on their day they are very dangerous side."
Newshub.
