A simple salty concoction has Australian allrounder Cameron Green somewhat fresh and raring to go against New Zealand in their second ODI just 24 hours after guiding them to victory in the opener.
The 23-year-old's rise in international cricket ascended even further with an unbeaten 89 against the Black Caps on Tuesday, hobbling through the final overs after experiencing groin, calf, hamstring and forearm cramping.
It's an obstacle Green's faced his entire life playing both Australian rules and cricket, and it tends to occur past the half-century mark.
"Growing up whenever I used to get past 50 I used to cramp up, double calves," Green said.
"I used to get it pretty bad, cricket and footy - basically get to the fourth quarter and if I got through the game without cramping it was a good game."
Guzzling down pickle juice and with team physio Nick Jones assisting, Green laboured through Tuesday's contest in Cairns and registered his maiden one-day half-century as Australia scrapped to go 1-0 up in the series.
"It's just a common trick we all try and use when we feel cramps coming on," Green said.
After being targeted with ball in hand in the opening innings, Green responded with the bat as he and Alex Carey anchored their chase with a 158-run partnership.
He said Carey's composure at the crease allowed him to play freely, which culminated in 10 boundaries and one maximum.
"He just puts so much pressure back on the bowler and is always looking to score," Green said of his vice-captain.
"That complements both of us. We're both guys that love to rotate the strike and (we're) a left and right hand combination. I love batting with Cez."
With just one day in between matches the Black Caps will need to cut their losses and move on swiftly.
Kiwi wicketkeeper Tom Latham said they didn't maximise their opportunities in the back stages of both innings, having Australia 5-44 in their run chase.
"We probably didn't quite utilise the back 10 overs as well as we would have liked from the position we were in," he said.
"It's about trying to win those key moments and unfortunately probably didnt win enough through the middle last night.
"But full credit to the way Carey and Green played, they played a fantastic innings and put on a great partnership."
