Otago opening batsman Aaron Redmond hopes history repeats itself - but not all of it.
His selection on Saturday for the Black Caps' tour of England gives him an opportunity to add to an intriguing family story.
His father, Rodney Redmond secured a place in cricket history with a test century and 50 on debut against Pakistan in Auckland- but did not play another test for New Zealand.
And, while the younger Redmond (28) has been a solid contributor for Otago during the past few summers, his selection is possibly a bigger surprise than his father's disappearance from the international scene 35 years ago.
Rodney Redmond, an aggressive left-hander, looked poised for a prolific career, but lost form on a subsequent tour of England, while adjusting to new contact lenses. His cricketing demise has become a part of New Zealand folklore.
‘‘I wasn't expecting it [selection] at all,'' Aaron Redmond, a right-hand opening batsman, said from his family's home in Perth.
‘‘But it's bloody great. It's one thing getting the chance. Now I've got to make the most of the opportunity.''
Redmond earned his place with consistent form at the top of the order for Otago. This summer he has scored 447 runs in the State Championship, at an average of 40.63, including one century.
