Blair Tickner is playing with his Hawke's Bay at the front of mind, as he and the Blackcaps push for victory on the final day of the first test against Sri Lanka.
Entering day five at Christchurch's Hagley Oval, New Zealand are 28/1, needing another 257 runs to reel in the target for a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Tom Latham (11 not out) and Kane Williamson (seven not out) will resume, as Sri Lanka seek nine wickets for their victory, needing a 2-0 series victory to reach the World Test Championship final later this year.
The Blackcaps are only in this position, after an understrength line-up bowled Sri Lanka out for 302 on day four.
In just his second test match, Tickner, 29, led the way, with standout bowling figures of 4/100, including Sri Lanka's top three and nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya.
His efforts come after a baptism of fire against England at Mt Maunganui on debut, when the Blackcaps wilted against their opposition's all-out aggression. Hastings-native Tickner played that test match as his home region was hit by Cyclone Gabrielle, impacting thousands of Hawke's Bay residents.
Before the second test against England, Tickner revealed how the cyclone impacted him, but then sat out the one-run victory at Wellington. Now back in the playing XI, Tickner wants to get over the line for the people of Hawke's Bay.
"The Hawke's Bay and whole of the North Island is struggling still," he said. "Just to be able to come play cricket is a privilege.
"It's still a privilege to play for New Zealand in my second game. My thoughts go out to Hawke's Bay and everyone affected.
"Hopefully, we can get a win for them."
Tickner's display also covered the absence of Blackcaps veteran Neil Wagner, who suffered a knee injury that left New Zealand down a bowler in Sri Lanka's second innings and has now ruled him out of the second test.
Wagner's absence has seen Doug Bracewell recalled into the New Zealand squad.
The injury presented a chance for Tickner to stand up in adversity.
"I feel for Neil," he added. "I hope he has a speedy recovery, but when it comes to things like that, the tough can stand up.
"I saw it as an opportunity to stand up and take wickets for the team. That's what I like to do."
Should New Zealand reach the 285-run target, it would represent their third-highest successful run chase in home test matches.
