NSW Blues batsman explains why he knocked back the opportunity to keep wickets and focus on batting
Why Carters knocked back the gloves
In-form NSW Blues batsman Ryan Carters says a desire to chase big scores at the top of the order - and ultimately Australian selection - is behind a decision to reject the wicketkeeping role.
Fresh off an eye-catching double century for the Prime Minister's XI in the tour match against New Zealand at Blacktown last week, Carters gets a further chance to press his representative claims in the Blues' Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria at the SCG, starting on Friday.
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Carters has worn the gloves sporadically in the past but knocked back the chance to keep wickets for the Blues full-time following Peter Nevill's elevation to the Test team.
He came to the Blues from Victoria as a wicketkeeper-batsman in 2013 but only played in that role in a Shield clash once, in his debut.
He has stood behind the stumps for the Sydney Sixers during the KFC Big Bash League over the last several seasons but says he wants to use the 2015-16 Shield campaign to establish himself in the batting order.
"(Opening the batting) is what I see as my best skill and a way I can help NSW win the Sheffield Shield," Carters said on Thursday.
WATCH: Carters carts the Black Caps
"And if that results in Test selection at some stage then that'd be a dream come true."
With the Test side in transition, chances are open at the top of the order and Carters wants to make a statement with a weight of runs.
His 209 against the Black Caps last week put him squarely in the eyes of the powers that be, even though his record-breaking innings came on a Blacktown International Sports Park pitch which was deemed too dangerous after four sessions and led to the game being abandoned.
He scored 448 runs at an average of 32 in last year's Shield season but a 198 against Queensland gave a glimpse of the 25-year-old's talent.
His decision to pass up the gloves opens the door for Jay Lenton to make his Shield debut against the Bushrangers.
Having watched Lenton make a composed century in grade cricket this season, Carters is expecting big things right off the bat from the Manly-Warringah keeper.
"He's in the best form of his life and I'm sure that will translate," Carters said.