Nathan McCullum is keen to hold on to pole position in the race for the Black Caps' No.1 spinning option leading into the Cricket World Cup.
The allrounder showed his credentials in New Zealand's three-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first one-day international in Christchurch on Sunday, taking figures of one for 38 with the ball before steering the home side to victory with a patient 25 not out.
Black Caps coach Mike Hesson now faces the dilemma of whether to play former captain Daniel Vettori and rest McCullum or go for two spinning options at Hamilton's Seddon Park which is known as a spinner-friendly wicket.
In the meantime, the 34-year-old Otago player is enjoying the contest for places in the starting line-up.
"I think it's a challenge for everyone with the strength in the squad we have got," McCullum said.
"Everyone's trying to play at their best and put pressure on everyone else and it's only beneficial for the team and squad as a whole when we've got guys challenging for positions."
However, McCullum is quick to credit Vettori for helping him to develop as a player as they battle each other for game time.
"I have been lucky to have Dan around and I've learned a lot from him over the years. It's pretty awesome really. We work well with each other.
"At the end of the day we are part of the World Cup and there are 15 players and a lot of other guys didn't make it. We are here and have got this opportunity and just to be part of it is going to be something special.
"I'm sure everyone will play at some stage. It's about trying to do whatever you can to make the team the best to be able to win."
Game two in the best of seven series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is a day-night match on Thursday.
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