Overlooked by the selectors for the past two years, Mathew Sinclair says he's a better batsman now than when he last played Test cricket.
Sinclair was named in the squad for the first Test against Australia but didn't play.
His last Test was against England in March 2008.
With Darryl Tuffey out injured, Sinclair's one of four possible replacements for the second Test starting in Hamilton on Saturday.
With Kane Williamson being drafted into the squad there's been plenty of discussion as to whether the 19-year-old Northern Districts batsman is ready for Test cricket, but the 34-year-old Sinclair feels he's the next batsman in line.
He has a Test average of 32, but averages only 14 in eight matches against Australia and says he hasn't made the most of his opportunities in the past.
Sinclair says he put too much pressure on himself earlier but believes fatherhood has mellowed him and helped him get things in perspective.
