Blackcaps fast bowler Adam Milne still holds aspirations of playing red-ball cricket, after switching his domestic allegiance from Central Districts to Wellington.
Despite pushing his case as a member of New Zealand's plans in Twenty20 and one-day international cricket, Milne, 30, hasn't played a first-class match since the end of 2018.
One of few NZ bowlers capable of speeds more than 150km/h, Milne would be a tantalising prospect for any red-ball side, with the only concern being his injury record.
Milne debuted for the Blackcaps as an 18-year-old in 2010, but various injuries have limited him to 71 internationals in 12 years.
As a result, Milne's recent successes have come in T20 cricket, cementing himself as a gun for hire, with stints for Chennai Super Kings in India, Sydney Thunder in Australia, as well as Kent and Birmingham Phoenix in England.
Now with more of an understanding of his body's limits, Milne says he's not prepared to give up on the idea of a red-ball return just yet.
"We've talked about red-ball cricket," Milne said. "Obviously, I haven't played for a while, but I certainly haven't binned it off.
"It will be a 'see how the body's going through pre-season' [prospect]. Obviously, I've got a trip away with the New Zealand stuff coming up.
"The white-ball is probably the most important at this stage, but if the body's feeling good and I'm injury-free, there's no reason why I can't play any red-ball cricket."
In 30 first-class matches, Milne has taken 88 wickets at an average of just over 32.
For now, Milne is happy to prove his worth for the Blackcaps in white-ball cricket, picked for New Zealand's upcoming series against Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.
In particular, he could make his return to the one-day side for the first time since 2017, after losing his place to Lockie Ferguson as the Blackcaps' fast-bowling enforcer.
"It's obviously exciting to be able to go away with the team and be part of the one-day team that I haven't done for a while now.
"As always, I'll be trying to help New Zealand win games of cricket. It'll be a cool tour to be part of, but at the same time, we're there to win all the games that we play.
"If I personally can do well and it helps the team win games, that will be amazing."
Success in Europe, along with his experience playing for the Thunder in the Big Bash League, would put Milne firmly into coach Gary Stead's plans for this year's Twenty20 World Cup in Australia.
With no shortage of white-ball matches to come, Milne wants to push his case for selection for the two World Cups over the next year.
"Definitely, I see myself trying to push and play well, and get picked in that squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia, where I've had experience playing in the Big Bash.
"Then I guess you go on to the one-day World Cup the following year, so there's plenty of white-ball cricket to be pushing for the New Zealand side."
