Doug Bollinger a menace to Black Caps

After a pasting in the one-dayers, Doug Bollinger has picked up the red ball and transformed into New Zealand's test tormenter.

The Australian fan-favourite is back to his intimidating best and has a 10-wicket match haul within his sights after the Black Caps crumbled against his relentless aggression.

Bollinger took a career-best 5-28 in the first innings and has 2-30 in the second.

The big left-arm quick has a simple, in-your-face approach to fast bowling and says he is aiming to intimidate the New Zealanders.

"That's just how I bowl, I try to be aggressive and be in the batsman's face and try to make them as uncomfortable as I can," Bollinger said.

"I think that's what a fast bowler's job is."

In just his seventh test, the 28-year-old has already taken 34 wickets and has risen to be Australia's spearhead.

Bollinger found the energy for a fiery late spell yesterday and the New South Welshman bursts with pride at playing for his country.

"It's something that I've always wanted to do, growing up, my whole life. And now it's in front of me and I'm just really enjoying it and I want to do well at it.

"I don't forget that and I don't take it for granted. It's not every day that you get to play a test match for Australia."

Bollinger said a chat with fellow southpaw speedster Mitchell Johnson had helped him refocus after a poor one-day series.

"I kept going at it, I kept trying to hit it head on and not let it beat me. He just told me to go back to basics and that's basically what I did and that's what works for me."

- © Fairfax NZ News

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