Fulton has become Black Caps Mr Fix-it

Not for the first time, Canterbury batsman Peter Fulton has been primed for a trouble-shooting role this time in a New Zealand batting line-up that has shown all the reliability of an Auckland bus.

After being unavailable for the tours to South Africa and Australia after being scheduled for knee surgery, the towering right-hander will return to the international circuit on Boxing Day, as New Zealand square off against Bangladesh in the first one-dayer at Eden Park.

In any other circumstances, New Zealand's prospects against the greenhorn Bangladeshis would be viewed as something of a foregone conclusion, but given the horrors of, first South Africa and then Australia, it's highly unlikely they'll be taking anything for granted.

Fulton, who effectively replaces the out-of-sorts Lou Vincent, is expected to bring stability and composure to a batting line-up that has confirmed itself as one of the worst in the world during the past eight weeks.

It is the second time this year the 28-year-old year-old has received his chance at the expense of Vincent, following his selection as a makeshift opener during the world cup, when Vincent was forced out with a hand injury.

On that occasion, Fulton surprised his critics with attacking but well-structured batting at the top of the order, ending the tournament as his side's third highest run-scorer (297 at 37.12), and top-scoring for his team on three occasions, including a solo effort of 62 as New Zealand fell apart against Australia in the second round.

Often thought of as an attritional type of batsman, who earned most of his success through wearing down opposition attacks and occupying the crease for long periods, Fulton has assembled a one-day record that demands his inclusion whenever he's available.

After playing 36 one-dayers, the man who carries the moniker of "two-metre Peter" has so far collected 1112 runs at 35.87, including 112 against Sri Lanka in 2005-06; seven scores of more than 50, and a strike-rate of 74.28.

Exactly where he will bat on Boxing Day is not yet clear, but given his success both opening and in the middle-order, he should have no concerns about slotting in anywhere in the top six.

New Zealand will almost certainly look to play all their batsmen, leaving a bowler to be omitted from the 12 and a decision to be made over whether Fulton or Mathew Sinclair will play at first drop.

- © Fairfax NZ News