A week has passed since spinner Will Somerville was called into the Blackcaps test squad for their three-match series against Pakistan and he's still pinching himself.
The Aussie-raised bowler flew out to the United Arab Emirates on Saturday and has been learning the ropes, as he waits to learn if his name will be on the team sheet for the first test on Friday.
Somerville was called in to replace Todd Astle, who has been ruled out with a right knee injury.
Astle's misfortune has presented the opportunity of a lifetime to Somerville, who is within touching distance of his international cricket debut at age 34.
Somerville could become one of New Zealand's oldest test debutants, behind Herb McGirr who made his first appearance at the age of 38 in 1930.
Due to his late-call up, Somerville has been trying to shake off the jet lag.
"Today was the first day I wore the kit," he said. "It has been awesome being in the kit and bowling to the batsmen I've seen on TV, like Kane [Williamson] and Ross [Taylor] and those guys, all the world-class players.
"I bowled okay - a bit slow, a bit of turn. If the wicket does break up towards the back end of the tests, the spinners will come into play more, which is exciting.
"It is great to be in camp. It is nice to meet the teammates that I haven't met before and reunite with guys like [Neil] Wagner. I'm still pinching myself that I'm in Abu Dhabi."
Somerville has some experience playing in the UAE, after recently playing there with the Auckland Aces in the inaugural Abu Dhabi T20 Trophy, which featured the world’s best T20 franchises.
"I had a couple of T20 games for Auckland. It was about 40 degrees - much hotter than now, so I'm glad there is a breeze and the temperature has cooled off.
"I'm a big sweater, so it is nice - I don't have to drink water every five seconds to hydrate."
Blackcaps bowling coach Shane Jurgensen said working as a team would be key to trumping Pakistan in challenging conditions.
"In these conditions, you never really blow teams out," he said. "It is about being patient and being displaced as a bowling unit,
"It is about bowling as a team. We're still two days about, so we need to assess the wicket, before making any decisions.
"There is a chance that one of the seamers misses out, but at the same time, we need to select the best team possible."
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