Peter Fulton, a tall middle-order batsman nicknamed "Two-Metre Peter", initially made his mark on first-class cricket by extending his maiden century to 301 not out for Canterbury against Auckland in March 2003, in only his second full season. His 9½-hour innings, against an attack containing the Test bowlers Heath Davis and Brooke Walker, contained 45 fours and three sixes. Fulton, who has played a lot of club cricket in England, is a product of Canterbury Country, an area rich in cricket history but which had never previously produced an international player. His 301 also broke the monopoly of Otago, where the five previous New Zealand triple-centurions came from. The following season he scored consistently, making 728 runs at 42.82, including two more centuries, and - after a consistent tour of South Africa with New Zealand A - was called up to New Zealand's one-day squad for the tour of Bangladesh in November 2004. He played one match there, but it was another 12 months before he featured again. This time he made the most of his chance, with 70 not out, 32, 50 and 112 against Sri Lanka, which led to a Test baptism: he added 75 in his second match, as New Zealand took an unbeatable lead over West Indies. Wisden called him "one for the future, provided he could retain his simple, uncomplicated batting style": John Bracewell, New Zealand's coach, believes he has the tools to open, although he had problems there against South Africa early in 2006. After being overlooked for New Zealand's initial World Cup games, Fulton slotted back in as an opener when Lou Vincent flew home. Fulton grabbed the chance and was his team's top scorer three times, including a lone hand of 62 as New Zealand crumbled against Australia. He finished the tournament third on the side's run tally, with 297 at 37.12. A knee injury forced him out of the tour of South Africa, and his form turned inconsistent the following months. He was named captain of the New Zealand A squad on tour of India.

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Jun 12, 2008 Tim Southee and Peter Fulton sit idle during practice © Getty Images

Feb 26, 2008 Peter Fulton scored a quick 33 off 46 balls © Getty Images

Feb 2, 2008 Peter Fulton guides the ball square en route to his 31 © Getty Images

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