They invented the word challenge for cricketers like New Zealand opening batsman Mark Richardson.

A qualified pilot, he is used to dealing with flight plans and the geometrics of that pursuit.

It shows in his uncluttered batting philosophy.

He is thriving on the challenges of filling what has been one of the problem areas of New Zealand's game.

That he and Matthew Bell have enjoyed an unprecedented four successive half century partnerships is a credit to their respective skills and teamwork, but an indictment on New Zealand's inability to string together such partnerships in its past.

However, living for the moment they are enjoying it, even to the point where consistently sharing rooms in hotel accommodation is not upsetting their relationship.

Tomorrow, when they go out to resume their innings on 160/0, if weather permits, against Pakistan in Hamilton they'll look to take up immediately in the fashion that has been so successful for them.

With Bell on 89 there is the chance for his maiden Test century.

"I would be thrilled for Belly. It is great to have something going for us. I have to stay in and he has to stay in. We say a fair bit to each other and talk about handling the bowlers. We're both into our cricket.

"He's obviously a little bit younger than me but we have similar views on the game and have similar work ethics."

One of the cornerstones of their game has been the manner in which they have used quick singles to put pressure on their opposition. Even if it did cause Bell's demise in their second innings partnership at 102 in the first Test in Auckland.

"He seemed to take it well. I was the one really feeling it," Richardson said.

"We're both not expansive players. If you get the bat on the ball you've got to run.

"We're still working on a few things," he said.

While their natural left-right hand batting was something of an advantage, it wasn't as great as some might think.

"You have to remember that the guys running in and bowling at you are very good cricketers. They've still bowled very good lines to both of us," he said.

For Richardson, who almost had cause to think Test cricket had passed him by until he was called up for Zimbabwe earlier in the summer, the challenge of Test cricket has been basic.

"It is just a thrill taking on guys like Saqlain Mushtaq, Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock," he said.

And the challenges are lining up in front of him as he contemplates a lengthy stay in Test match cricket.

Over the winter he is hoping to play some cricket in West London and there is a chance he may in an MCC team against the Australians at Arundel.

He's always wanted to play cricket on the sub-continent and that chance comes with New Zealand's tour of Pakistan in September and then there is the holy of holies, Australia, in November-December.

"Australia is the biggest test of your game and to go over there and perform against Australia with its side right now, well then you can sit back and say you have done well."

Milestones are not a goal for Richardson, they are a by-product of his successful match strategies which put simply involve not getting out.

"I just want to concentrate on each ball, then leave the field when they draw stumps," he said.

If he can do that the scores will look after themselves.

Having scored a double century on the New Zealand A tour to England last winter, a triple century in Zimbabwe, and a 99 in his second Test, against Zimbabwe, it would seem Richardson has his system pretty well worked out.

"Physically, and mentally, those sort of innings do take it out of you but the day after I am saying, 'Why didn't I get that many, or why didn't I get 318?' That one still irks me because it would have been nice to have the highest New Zealand score.

"But I find that if you do something once you want to do it again," he said.

Richardson puts his success as a batsman down to the faith shown in him by former international Lance Cairns when he coached the Otago side, and the advice he has gleaned from various people he has talked to about batting.

He describes himself as just getting a taste of Test cricket and has every intention of being around for several years yet. He does have a problem with a lack of flexibility in his lower spine and said he has always had a very stiff back. But he is working hard at eliminating that problem and ensuring a lengthy stay at the crease for New Zealand.

"I want to come away from a net feeling I have done everything possible to be prepared.

"I know I can handle pressure when I bat," he said.

That included the last morning, fourth ball shot that saw him caught out in Auckland against Pakistan. He has reviewed the dismissal several times and feels to have defended the ball would have been a mistake.

The ball was right in his game plan and he went for it.

"But I cocked it up. The dismissal to me is often a symptom of something else," he said regretting that his placement of the shot had not been quite right.

Tomorrow the preparation will be no different to that which has already been so successful.

"We'll just try to stay in, to get a start. Belly's approaching a great milestone. I was pretty keyed up to get out there today," he said.

You get the feeling that Richardson is making up for lost time and that it is all really quite simple - he doesn't want to get out, ever.

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