Caroline Willis

Tauranga local Daniel Flynn is a hard-hitting, powerful batsman who at 23 years old was recently drafted into the New Zealand squad for the first time, beginning with the March 2008, T20 tour to England. His increasing popularity has won him a central contract with New Zealand cricket for 2008-09.

The young left-handed batsman usually bats up the order and takes pleasure in hitting the ball over the top. Black Caps skipper Daniel Vettori has even tipped him to develop into the Kiwi equivalent to Australia’s Ricky Ponting. Currently batting at number 6, he has been earmarked to gradually move up the order. Based on current performance, if he wants it, he is looking to be a strong future contender for the number four, or even three slot.

Flynn rose to prominence with strong performances in the under-19 World Cup in 2003-04, where he was also the New Zealand captain. Ever since then, he has continued his strong run in the domestic matches.

Flynn made a promising debut in the drawn first Test against England at Lord's, seeing the tourists to safety with a painstaking 23 not out when batting at number six in the second innings.

And who could forget the images when that bouncer from James Anderson hit Flynn’s grille at pace resulting in a lost tooth? A courageous return to the pitch was met with disappointing results, being pinned by David Wigley after just 7 balls. But, Daniel Flynn remains a man to watch out for, with a promising career ahead of him.