FORMER Cleethorpes overseas star Peter Fulton says a change in mind-set has prompted his recall to New Zealand's Test squad.
The hard-hitting batsman spent a summer at Chichester Road in 2010 and was due to captain the Meggies the following season after an impressive summer.
Fulton scored more than 900 runs, including three tons, in his 21 innings for Clee, chipping in with a handy 17 wickets at an average of less than 24.
However, a shoulder injury ruled out a return to North East Lincolnshire and saw the 33-year-old remain in the Southern Hemisphere.
Fulton played in 10 Tests, 49 ODIs and 11 Twenty20 internationals between 2005 and 2009, and admitted he thought his days representing the Black Caps were over.
However, the right-handed batsman has been recalled for the upcoming tour of South Africa after a three-year gap.
He replaces former skipper Ross Taylor who excluded himself from selection after losing the captaincy to Brendon McCullum.
Fulton has been selected in the Kiwi's squad for two Tests and three T20s, which begin on December 21 with the first 20-over encounter in Durban.
"I really couldn't care less how it came about," he said. "I'm just really excited about having another opportunity.
"It's pretty ironic. I'd come to accept the fact that even though I still wanted to, I might never get an opportunity to play for New Zealand again.
"So I put less pressure on myself and that seems to have worked."
Domestically, Fulton has been in the form of his life this season, having scored more than 504 runs in four first-class matches at an average of 72.
The Canterbury skipper has scored three centuries and passed 50 five times from eight visits to the crease.
