Four years after playing his only test match, Canterbury leg spinner Todd Astle will don his Black Cap again.
Canterbury's Todd Astle has earnt a test recall four years after his Black Caps debut. Photo: Photosport
With Northern Districts spinner Mitchell Santner out injured with a fractured wrist, the 30-year-old Astle, who made his test debut against Sri Lanka in 2012, has been recalled to the test squad for the two tests against Pakistan.
Astle said he was a different bowler to four years ago.
"I'm a lot more mature in terms of understanding my own game and being able to adjust and adapt (my bowling) a bit more in terms of conditions and players and being a bit more tactical in how you are getting players out and generally just a bit more street smart."
Astle is set to be a straight swap for the injured Northern Districts spinner Mitchell Santer and will bat at eight.
He had a strong start to the Plunket Shield season, scoring 195 for Canterbury against Central. He has taken 14 wickets in three games so far.
Astle admitted he was a little surprised to only get one test four years ago, but "you just have to take it on the chin".
"Over the last few seasons I have gained a bit more perspective and you just go away and try and contribute to every team you play and be as consistent as possible.
"That's given me success with Canterbury in all three formats and led to my recall, which is just an amazing feeling."
Astle already had his Black Cap out. "It's all there and ready to go and still fits thankfully," he said.
