Rookie New Zealand bowler Michael Bates knows all about the stresses and strains of top sport from the experiences of his brother, former All Black Steven.
Steven, now 33 and playing in Japan, was a consistent No 8 who captained Waikato and the Chiefs and who played two games for the All Blacks, including one test, in 2004.
As youngsters they used to play cricket in the family driveway in Auckland but Michael has tapped into Steven's top-level rugby experience as he prepares for New Zealand's first one-day international against Zimbabwe in Dunedin on Friday.
"I always admired Steven's professionalism and he was always very focused," Michael said. "Just seeing what he has done, and his attitude to rugby, has helped me a lot."
Michael, now 28, is certainly no fly-by-night. He made his debut for Auckland in 2003-04 and he has earned his place in the New Zealand squad through consistency.
He is now one of a battery of left-arm pace bowlers available to the selectors, who also include Trent Boult, Andy McKay, Neil Wagner and James Franklin.
"I was just stoked to get the call-up and I want to make the most of it," he said. "I wasn't getting impatient, not at all. If you look at the way New Zealand has performed in the shorter forms of the game, there have been a lot of good bowlers.
"I've just had to bide my time and wait for my opportunity. There are a few left-armers around now but I guess it is a point of difference. I imagine the role I'll have within the team will be pretty similar to that I have with Auckland."
Bates has a special reputation for his bowling at the death and it is a challenge he relishes.
"You just need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve bowling at the death but you can also pick up wickets because you're bowling at guys coming hard at you. It gets you used to bowling in pressure situations as well so that's helpful."
Bates believes runs per over is a crucial statistic for bowlers in the shorter version of the game.
"RPO is really important. If you keep the runs down and put pressure on the batsmen, they're likely to make mistakes."
Bates said he had benefited from playing in a successful Auckland side this summer.
"Their success has been a big help. You get looked at a bit more if you play in winning sides, particularly if you get to play in the finals. It puts you in front of the selectors in pressure situations."
Bates has been chosen in the New Zealand one-day and twenty/20 squads but he also has an ambition to play test cricket one day.
"I'd love to play any form of cricket for New Zealand," he said. "They seem to have their test quicks sorted out at the moment but you never know what could happen if there are injuries."