That accent is still pretty thick, but South African-born all-rounder Dean Foxcroft has cleared an important barrier on the path to represent his adopted country at the highest level.
The 25-year-old’s bid to upgrade his domestic playing status from qualifying player to residential player has been successful.
The news came through recently from New Zealand Cricket. He can now play domestic cricket in the country without any further restrictions.
Previously, he had occupied one of the three non-eligible slots in the Otago Volts side.
Arguably, it is more of a symbolic change. He was not missing out on playing any domestic cricket because of his previous status.
He was even included in a strong New Zealand A side earlier this year despite not being eligible to represent the Black Caps.
But it is a very clear signal from New Zealand Cricket that he is part of the national team’s future calculations.
The ICC will still have to sign off before he can represent New Zealand at international level.
But essentially he now has NZC’s endorsement.
"For me, it is obviously massive news," Foxcroft said.
"I did not get a lot of details ... and I’m not sure what it means for the Black Caps going forward. I try to stay out of it.
"But it means a lot to me and it is a step forward."
Foxcroft had a wonderful summer for the Volts.
The right-hander was the leading scorer in the Super Smash with 424 runs at 47.11. He also featured strongly with his golden arm, claiming nine wickets at 19.33.
The former South African under-19 representative notched his maiden first-class century and finished the Plunket Shield with 631 runs at an average of 45.07.
That form did not go unnoticed.
He was named men’s Super Smash player of the year and men’s domestic player of the year at the New Zealand Cricket awards.
The bumper year followed a frustrating two-year period where Foxcroft played virtually no elite cricket.
He returned to South Africa in March 2020 to visit family and was unable to return for two years due to the pandemic.
