Central District's wicketkeeper-batsman Dane Cleaver will almost certainly make his international debut on Friday, firming as Blackcaps gloveman for the one-off Twenty20 against the Netherlands.
With several regulars missing the limited-overs series against the Dutch due to Indian Premier League commitments, Cleaver is the only specialist gloveman in the NZ squad.
Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips and Tim Seifert will all miss the fixtures, while Tom Latham is unlikely to keep wicket as captain and opening batter.
That opens the door for Cleaver, 30, finished second in scoring during this summer's domestic Super Smash, with 369 runs at an average of 46.12, a strike rate of 166.21 and a high score of 114 not out.
And in a newlook New Zealand side, coach Gary Stead confirms that Cleaver - who is cousin of Blackcaps captain Kane Williamson - is in line to wear the silver fern for the first time, along with Wellington's Michael Bracewell.
"Dane Cleaver, as wicketkeeper, is likely to debut, which will be fantastic," Stead says. "He's done really well, there's been a lot of competition for places in the keeping area.
"For Dane to come through and get the nod is testament, not just to the last season, but the last couple of seasons that he's had."
For Cleaver, the step up to international cricket will be somewhat easier by the presence of Central Districts teammates Doug Bracewell, Blair Tickner and Will Young in the Blackcaps ranks, as well as already facing the Netherlands as part of the New Zealand XI warm-up side.
"Just being around the group, I suppose you dream of this moment," Cleaver says. "Actually being around the group and hopefully getting the opportunity on Friday night - if the rain and other factors go ahead - will be pretty amazing.
"Playing the Netherlands last week, you see the quality of their side, but also the fact you can stack up against an international side and take that form from domestic into another game of cricket.
"You've just got to prepare the best you can and hopefully have some fun."
Join us from 7pm Friday for live updates of the Blackcaps v Netherlands T20 clash
