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Roger Twose does not know whether it is a help or a hindrance to have seen plenty of South African speedster Allan Donald at close quarters.

``Sure I know how he bowls a bit, but I've also seen how fast he bowls.''

Twose and Donald spent some five seasons together at English county Warwickshire but are now in rival camps for New Zealand and South Africa respectively.

Twose, handed the role of batting No. 3 in the absence of the injured Stephen Fleming, has his specially made protective flak jacket ready for the pace ace.

``I'm prepared to take a few on the body rather than play it sometimes. Having the jacket gives you a little extra confidence.

``It doesn't stop a blow but it might be the difference between a bruised rib and a cracked rib. As professionals, with the game our livelihood, it's worthwhile to minimise the injury risk.''

Twose said facing Donald was the ultimate challenge.

``I just don't think the contest is that fair - he's No. 1 bowler in the world but I must be about No. 242 batter,'' Twose quipped.

However, Twose's cricket career is enjoying a renaissance since he was chosen to replace Fleming for the third test against India.

Twose said the selectors gave him a major motivation to perform well this season when he was not named in a 31-man World Cup preparation squad.

``I felt I deserved to be among the top 31 in the country and set about trying to prove it.''

Twose, 31 next month, has responded with some innings of character, providing solidity to the often-fragile Black Caps top order.

``I looked around and saw that quite a lot of batsmen have plenty to offer on getting to (the age of) 30.

``There's the likes of Gary Kirsten, Alec Stewart, Mike Atherton, and the Waughs who are all getting on a bit.''