Blackcaps spinner Ajaz Patel knows he's done everything he can to earn a spot in the line-up to face India in the World Test Championship final at Southampton, beginning on Friday.
One of six changes to the NZ side that defeated England by eight wickets at Edgbaston, Patel staked his claim to be first-choice spinner heading into the final against India.
The left-armer claimed two wickets in each innings in conditions that saw England not even include a spin bowler in their line-up.
With four days until the start of the world test final, Blackcaps coaches and selectors will have the difficult task of reducing their squad from 20 to 15, before picking the final XI to face the Indians.
After such a strong performance against England, Patel would be unlucky to miss out on a place, but his inclusion alongside the frontline seam attack of Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Kyle Jamieson would likely weaken the team's batting ranks.
Speaking after the Edgbaston victory, Patel is content with his efforts to force selectors' hands.
"I've done my part, I've done my preparation - now it's up to the selectors," he says. "For me, my foundation of faith allows me to be at peace with whatever happens.
"For me, it's not really about dwelling on it or thinking about it too much, it's still just focussing on, if I get the nod, how am I going to go about preparing for that and what more do I need to do to prepare for that, and if there's anything that I need to touch up on.
"Regardless of whatever happens, I'm just trying to prepare as if I'm in the team. For me, it's just preparing that way and whatever happens from there, happens from there.
The Blackcaps selectors face more than one difficult call. Even after making six changes between the first and second tests against England, the replacement players did no harm to their chances, earning just a third test series win on English soil and first since 1999.
Matt Henry was named Man of the Match for his six-wicket match haul and Will Young top-scored with 82, but the pair will likely make way for Tim Southee and Kane Williamson respectively.
Few envy the Blackcaps selectors having to make those decisions, including Patel.
"I wouldn't want to be a selector right now, because [there's] some pretty tough decisions.
"We've got a squad that's playing some pretty amazing cricket. It's been highlighted over the last two games how much depth we really have.
"It's going to be a tough decision either way. Ideally, I want to be playing, but once again, it's up to the selectors and what they decide."
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