Will Somerville was stunned to get a shot at first-class cricket with NSW at age 30.
So getting a Test call-up for New Zealand at 34 is real pinch-yourself material for the offspinner, who not long ago thought accountancy would be his lot.
Somerville, 34, is a contender to make an unlikely international debut in the first Test against Pakistan starting in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
Legspinner Ish Sodhi should start but with two tweakers set to be employed at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, selectors will consider Somerville or fellow uncapped late bloomer Ajaz Patel, a left-armer getting his first tour at age 30.
Having received a late call-up to replace injured legspinner Todd Astle, Somerville has spent two days getting to know teammates he has previously admired from afar.
His first net session on Wednesday was a surreal experience.
"It's been awesome bowling to the batsmen I've watched on TV the last couple of years, Ross and those guys. There's some world-class players in this side," Somervile said.
Wellington-born Somerville shifted to Sydney with his family aged nine and has played domestic cricket on both sides of the Tasman, including three recent seasons with NSW and some surprisingly effective returns for the Sydney Sixers.
A hunger for Test cricket prompted a recent move to Auckland, where injuries to others has played into his hands.
"I'm pinching myself. I'm grateful for the last five years, being a professional cricketer. I wasn't sure it was going to happen at 30 and then I got an opportunity at NSW," he said.
"Things have rolled on and obviously coming to New Zealand a few months ago, it's happened quicker than I was expecting. It's been an absolute thrill."
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has been cleared of a minor groin injury and will play the first match of the three-Test series, having sat out the last match of the drawn ODI series.
