Don't expect Martin Guptill's name to be in the Blackcaps squad for the first Test against South Africa when it is named on Friday.
The 28-year-old thrashed the much vaunted Proteas bowling attack all around Hamilton's Seddon Park on Wednesday night, as the home side levelled the five-match ODI series at two games apiece.
Guptill finished on 180 not out in a dominant display as the Blackcaps chased down 280 for victory.
But coach Mike Hesson is adamant the Aucklander won't be selected on Friday, despite the masterful performance.
He said Guptill needs to spend time in domestic cricket adjusting to a new longer-form role in the middle order after his failings at the top of the order in Test cricket.
"At the moment it is a difficult spot to find. Out Test team just won four on the bounce," said Hesson.
"Certainly batting in the middle order is something that we are keen to explore at a first-class level first and Martin and Auckland Cricket are certainly receptive to that."
Highlights: Martin Guptill blazes Blackcaps to dominant win
With Ross Taylor and skipper Kane Williamson owning the three and four spots respectively, Guptill would need to oust young Cantabrian Henry Nicholls, or force the selectors' hands in picking six batsmen rather that an all-rounder spot, currently held by Colin de Grandhomme.
Hesson said it would be unfair to drop the 25-year-old Nicholls as he came agonisingly close to a maiden century in his last innings.
"Henry Nicholls just came off a 50 and a 98.
"Not at this stage no."
Guptill has had a tough time in red-ball cricket as an opener. In 47 Tests he averages 29.38 with 17 half centuries and just three- hundreds.
Compare that to his limited overs-career with 12 hundreds at an average of 42.42, it is evident the Blackcaps brains trust still see a future for him in Tests.
Hesson echoed Kane Williamson's comments that Wednesday night's innings was one of the best in ODI history, especially considering the challenging pitch conditions and quality of opposition.
"It was a class innings.
"His composure in the chase, he was never satisfied and for him to see it through to the end was just great.
"He is really confident in his game and has reached a level of maturity where he is consistent with how he prepares and he doesn't ride the highs and lows that often the young players do."
The final ODI is at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday.
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