He was fast tracked into the New Zealand Test side after only 6 first class matches for the arduous tour of India and Pakistan in 1965. Making his debut in the first Test against India in Chennai he dismissed the Indian opening batsman, Dilip Sardesai, when he clean bowled him for 22 in his very first bowling spell. He went on to take 3 - 90 and a catch in the Indian first innings plus a wicket in their second innings. He played in all 4 Tests v India and 3 Test v Pakistan, scoring 168 runs at 15.27 and taking 10 wickets at 60.50. Less than a month later he arrived in England for a 10-week tour, including 3 Tests, where he topped the New Zealand batting with 281 runs at 56.20.