By Paul Grunill BBC Sport

In years to come, the name Hamish Marshall could well crop up as an answer in New Zealand cricket quizzes.

HAMISH MARSHALL FACTFILE Born: Warkworth 15.2.1979 Debut: 1998-99 for Northern Districts Helped Northern Districts win State Shield, February 2003 First-class record: 1,619 runs, average 24.9, highest score 92

The question posed would be: "Which batsman made his first international century in 2003, which was also his first at any level of senior cricket?"

It is a feat perhaps in keeping with the unusual nature of Marshall's career so far for the Black Caps.

He was only 20 years old and only two seasons into first-class cricket with Northern Districts when he was called up to reinforce the national team on tour in South Africa.

It was a trip fraught with problems and notable for the number of times injured players criss-crossed in the air with replacements flying out from New Zealand.

Marshall was first picked out as a player with international potential when he was sent to join the Lord's groundstaff in 1998 and a year later he joined the New Zealand Academy.

Arriving in South Africa, he justified the faith of the selectors by batting for almost three hours to make 40 not out in the rain-ruined third Test at Johannesburg.

It is surprising therefore that his second chance did not come for almost three years.

Or perhaps not?

In the intervening period, he continued to play for Northern Districts achieving a moderate average in the mid-20s in both first-class and one-day cricket.

It's an experience in itself to play quality bowlers like the Pakistan team has Hamish Marshall

He was also overshadowed by twin brother James, who has four first-class centuries behind him, with a best of 235.

The current tour to Pakistan, however, offered the selectors a chance to try out some new blood, with four players opting to stay at home because of safety concerns and five others ruled out because of injuries.

And it was to Hamish, not James, that they turned to fill a vacancy in the middle order.

"Hopefully we may produce a couple of young heroes," chief selector Sir Richard Hadlee told the BBC Sport website.

Pakistan duly won the first three games - although the Kiwis must have expected better after totalling 291 in the opening match, with Marshall marking his one-day international debut by scoring 55 off 76 balls.

A victory target of 315 was beyond New Zealand's scope in the third match, but the manner in which Marshall put together his innings of 101 not out impressed observers.

"He seems to be a nice batsman. The best thing about him is that he is cool and he can go places if he keeps the same temperament," said Pakistan coach Javed Miandad.

Marshall's athletic fielding is also a major asset

For New Zealand, however, Marshall's presence in the team is of two-fold benefit.

"It hasn't only been his batting - his fielding has been dynamic, some of the best around," said skipper Chris Cairns.

""He's a great bloke as well. He's fitted in really well and has got a great work ethic."

It now seems certain Marshall will receive further opportunities when the two sides meet again in New Zealand later this month.

The challenge then is to do enough to earn a return trip to England for next year's Test and one-day series.

As for his century, Marshall's only regret was that it came in a losing cause.

"It was a formidable score (by Pakistan). It was a bit too much on my shoulders - which aren't too big - and I couldn't whack enough boundaries."

If his progress is maintained, he will be whacking them for the Black Caps for several years to come.