Born in Zimbabwe but a big NZ cricket fan | Northland News | Local News in Northland

He was born in Zimbabwe but when Whangarei cricket fanatic Devlin Gurr leads the teams out for the Black Caps vs Zimbabwe one-day international at Cobham Oval, there'll be no divided loyalties - he's behind the Kiwis all the way.

Nine-year-old Devlin, who plays for the Maungakaramea under-12 team - the same club that Northland's only Black Cap Tim Southee plays for - was chosen from dozens of young cricketers from around the region to lead the two teams out in the first every international game at Cobham Oval on Monday.

And despite being born in the African country - he came here at age 2 with mum Debbie and dad Craig - he said he's Kiwi through and through and there's only one team he wants to win on Monday.

"The Black Caps, all the way. I'm a Kiwi now," the budding all-rounder said.

The news generated a lot of interest within the Maungakaramea club as he gets to take the rest of his team with him.

He was excited when he got the news he'd be leading the teams out, New Zealand flag to the fore, and hopes that one day he'll be lining up for the Black Caps himself.

Representing your country runs in the family, with Craig Gurr playing for Zimbabwe B five times in 1998, and Devlin intends to ask Southee and any of the other Black Caps he can for some tips on how to make it.

"Tim is great. He plays around with our team at practice and helps us out a lot and gives us tips," he said.

Craig Gurr said Devlin was keen on cricket and rugby, but being the flag bearer for the Black Caps had pushed him much more towards the 11-a-side summer game.

Mr Gurr will be at the game on Monday and hopes to catch up with some old playing buddies from Zimbabwe - Ray Price, who was 12th man for Zimbabwe in the recent test against the Black Caps and two of the teams' coaching staff, former internationals Heath Streak and Grant Flower.

"It's just awesome for Devlin to be able to represent New Zealand like this.

"There's so much opportunity here in New Zealand, which is one of the reasons we came here," he said.

Mum Debbie will be cheering on Devlin, and the Black Caps, from the stands on Monday.