Blackcaps v India: Talented Kyle Jamieson eyeing future role as all-rounder

New Zealand cricket's latest discovery wants to show he has more up his sleeve.

Kyle Jamieson has been the find of the home summer, starring in two one-day appearances against India, before taking four wickets in the first test, including batting maestro Virat Kohli. 

But Jamieson's efforts with the bat have many Blackcaps fans excited and the towering Aucklander is keen to push his all-round credentials.

The 25-year-old has made two significant contributions with bat in hand in his two appearances at the crease in national colours. 

Jamieson scored an unbeaten 25 and combined with Ross Taylor for a match-winning ninth-wicket stand of 77 in the second ODI at Eden Park. 

Jamieson removes Virat Kohli in the first innings
Jamieson removes Virat Kohli in the first innings Photo credit: Photosport

Then, in his test debut, Jamieson smashed 44 from 45 balls, including four sixes, as New Zealand's lower order wagged at the Basin Reserve.

The former high school basketball prospect had ambitions of being a batsman, when he played first XI cricket for Auckland Grammar.

He was good enough to make the New Zealand U19s, until a conversation with former test bowler Dale Hadlee led to a career shift towards bowling.

A year later, Jamieson was running in for Canterbury, under current Blackcaps coach Gary Stead, and his batting took a back seat.

But with New Zealand's bowling stocks as deep as ever, Jamieson isn't settling on his current success and plans to compete for an all-rounder spot in coming years. 

"I always liked batting - that was what I grew up admiring the most. Whilst I still bowled, I probably didn't think about that as my career option. 

"It's certainly paying off now."

The best is yet to come 

Now back in Auckland, Jamieson admits he still has plenty of work to do with bat in hand, but hopes to use domestic cricket as a proving ground for his run-scoring credentials.

"I'm still a long way off where I want to be as a bowler and cricketer. 

"With the stuff I've started to work on with Auckland, I'm positive there's still a lot more to come."

The second test begins at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on Saturday.