টড অ্যাস্টল

Initially an opening batsman by design, Todd Astle decided to give priority to his leg spin bowling after a long period of drought with the willow. The result was amazing as he started becoming a regular star across the New Zealand domestic circuit. The fact that he had started off as a batsman meant that he was a more than useful hitter down the order in addition to begin a really good fielder. All these attributes make him an ideal limited-overs package but ironically, it was in Test cricket that he got first national call up in 2012-13 during the Kiwis' tour of Sri Lanka where he replaced Daniel Vettori.

Astle's Test debut was anything but impressive and he soon found himself out of the reckoning for a few years until a few stellar domestic performances earned him a recall during the 2016-17 season. He made his T20I debut and a few months later also featured in the 50-over format. Still early days in his career but Astle has proven to be impressive his short stint thus far. A leg spinner with a good repertoire and good temperament, he could be a vital cog of New Zealand's limited-overs plans if he maintains consistency. Wrist spinners are always a boon and Astle will hope to be one for his side.

By Hariprasad Sadanandan