Wellington spinner Woodcock set to make Kiwi 20-20 debut

AUCKLAND - Wellington spinner Luke Woodcock is likely to make his New Zealand debut in the Twenty20 international against Pakistan at Eden Park in Auckland tomorrow.

The 28-year-old from the Johnsonville club has been one of the standout bowlers in the HRV Cup, and along with Canterbury batsman Dean Brownlie and Central Districts teenage quick bowler Adam Milne is one of the new faces for the three-match series, stuff.co.nz reports.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the guys. It is my first time in the environment, so it will quite a buzz,” Woodcock was quoted, as saying.

“I’m rapt to be there. Now I just want to work hard and hopefully make the most of it,” he added.

Woodcock’s selection crept up on a few, including his mother Barbara. She had made bookings to attend the Boxing Day Ashes test in Melbourne, but as of last night was looking to amend them.

Woodock’s economy rate (6.16 runs per over) in the HRV Cup earned him selection. Of the regular bowlers in the competition only the Central Districts pair of Ian Blackwell (4.95) and Michael Mason (5.87) have superior RPO’s.

Woodcock is also third equal on the wicket-taking charts, his 11 scalps at an average of 13.45 behind Graeme Aldridge and Ronald Karaitiana, who both have 12.

Woodcock’s bowling style is not dissimilar to Sri Lankan Sanath Jayasuriya’s. The ball appears to be delivered from behind his body and he challenges the batsman with accuracy rather than turn. (ANI)