PAUL Wiseman is relishing his home debut for Rishton against Enfield tomorrow and has twin targets as he makes his bow as a league professional this weekend.

The 28-year-old New Zealand Test off-spinner wants to help instil a sense of teamwork and determination into his new team-mates.

That's the way he was brought up to play his cricket with Otago.

And, despite the continuing uncertainty of the weather, Wiseman cannot wait to get started.

The first of the 'late' arrivals when he flew in on Tuesday, the Kiwi has settled in quickly and, while he has previously experienced four seasons playing cricket in the South of England, the responsibility of being the one paid man is a new venture for him.

"I've heard all about the professionals and their job in the Lancashire League.

"But at Otago, our game is based on teamwork and that's what I am about. That and determination and guts.

"You need more than one individual to win games, unless it's someone special like Allan Donald and Viv Richards," he said with a knowing reference to two of his more famous predecessors at Rishton.

"I think everyone gets more satisfaction from their cricket if they have all contributed." Wiseman has one particular claim to fame himself. He took seven wickets in his first Test for New Zealand, the highest total ever by a Kiwi debutant. With four first-class half centuries to his name, and coming off a successful season back home, he should also be able to pick up a few runs.

"They seem a really good bunch of guys here, young and keen," he said.

"They have all made me feel really welcome and I hope I can repay thenm with runs and wickets.

"But it's not just about me, I want to get the team winning with everybody doing something."

Wiseman, who has an English passport, has plenty of relatives in this country with his father hailing from Sheffield.

And, as well as off spin, he can also bowl "little seamers" which might be a useful asset while the grounds are still saturated.

He bats around eight for Otago but at the top end of the order in club cricket for Dunedin side Carisbrook.

Rishton got off to a winning start at Rawtenstall last Sunday with a substitute professional. Although they had to sign Wiseman in a hurry after Corrie Jordaan gave late backword, they are hoping they might have struck lucky.

Tomorrow's games: Accrington v East Lancs; Bacup v Colne; Haslingden v Church; Lowerhouse v Rawtenstall; Nelson v Ramsbottom; Rishton v Enfield; Todmorden v Burnley.

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