Should Tim Southee be ruled out of the Blackcaps' tilt at next month's Cricket World Cup in India, all-rounder Jimmy Neesham is putting his hand up to do a job with ball in hand.
Earlier this month, Southee suffered a broken thumb while fielding in the Blackcaps' ODI series defeat to England.
The given timeline from a thumb fracture can be from anywhere between three and six weeks, but Southee's injury occurring 20 days out from the start of the World Cup leaves the Blackcaps sweating.
The 34-year-old has undergone surgery, but the Blackcaps will not make a call on his involvement in the tournament until as late as possible – as the team depart for India on Tuesday and Wednesday.
With spin expected to dominate in India, just four specialist seam bowlers were selected by the Blackcaps.
And should Southee be ruled out, more work will fall on the trio of Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry.
Neesham, though, does offer a genuine alternative.
Contesting the all-rounder spot with Rachin Ravindra, Neesham's ability to bowl seam could give him the upper hand in the selection race for the No.7 spot.
And with the spotlight on Southee's fitness, Neesham has made sure to leave no stone unturned in his preparation before his departure to the subcontinent.
"That's something we've discussed, me and Steady [coach Gary Stead] over the last couple of weeks, trying to get my bowling load up," he told Newshub.
"I've been training with the Auckland Aces at Eden Park over the last couple of weeks and using bowling as a focus.
"It's certainly an area I want to contribute in. With the make-up of our team in more spinner friendly conditions, it brings in that third seamer role as more of an option as well.
"It's certainly something I'm preparing for."
With the ball, Neesham has taken 69 wickets in 73 ODIs, at an average of just under 35, with two five-wicket hauls.
Meanwhile, regardless of what happens to Southee, the Blackcaps will back themselves – as they've always done – to make the most of what they have.
The duo of Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips are also more than handy as bowling options, as well as being able to bat in the top six to take pressure off the frontline bowlers in conditions that will favour batting sides.
And for batter Mark Chapman, who himself has seized on an opportunity to take his place in the 15-man squad, adaptability will ultimately be New Zealand's strength come the start of the tournament.
"That's been one of the strengths of the New Zealand team, guys stepping up to do roles they're not familiar with if the team requires it," explained Chapman.
"We pride ourselves on being able to adapt to any given situation."
The Blackcaps open the Cricket World Cup when they face England in Ahmedabad on October 5 (NZ time), in a rematch of the 2019 final.
