The Black Caps opener Martin Guptill concedes it feels a long time since he's played a game of cricket but is relishing the prospect of playing in today's do or die encounter against South Africa in Hamilton.
Martin Guptill batting during the New Zealand Black Caps v Pakistan 3rd ODI cricket match. Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. Saturday 31 January 2016. Photo: Photosport
Guptill has missed the first three one dayers and the T20 against South Africa due to a hamstring injury.
His recovery has come just in time for the Black Caps in the wake of their limp 159 run loss to the Proteas in Wellington at the weekend.
That's given the tourists a 2-1 lead in the best of five series, meaning a win in Hamilton would give the Proteas a series win.
It's a month since Guptill last played and admits feels a little odd rejoining the side.
"Coming back in my role doesn't change..(although) it does feel like a while since I was with the team but hopefully I fit straight back in,"
Guptill said the side had reflected on the poor peformance in the last outing.
"Obviously it wasn't ideal but you can have those days in cricket where things just don't go right."
Despite being behind in the series Guptill says he's excited at trying to turn things around.
"Two one down in the series and two games to win it can't get much better than that."
Desite not having played in the series so far Guptill doesn't believe he will take long to adjust to the South Africa attack.
"I have caught a little bit of the games so it's not like I'm coming back in not having seen them at all...(and) my role doesn't change so I am just going to come back in and fit in as best as I can."
Since December Guptill has had seven ODI innings, with matches against Australia and Bangladesh and averages over 45.
