Unsure if I've said he's close to selection, and he does need more time I agree. Thing is whoever the next man picked is will probably be picked fairly shortly if Flynn doesn't kick on in test cricket. The other number three candidates are all fairly shaky. Todd and Fulton being the other two I'd consider at this stage if we want a specialist there, though we could put an opener like Watling or How there.
I really don't care about age,
Michael Hussey made his debut fairly late too and 4-5 years is long enough for a decent career, especially since when it comes to NZs top three we don't exactly have Australia-esque options to choose from. Whoever scores the most runs generally gets the gig unless ironically, they're James Marshall or Daniel Flynn.
If the selectors can pick Flynn off one good season then I wouldn't be surprised if Patton (if they want him) was picked off one good season either.
Also, without wanting to open a can of worms, your "he's had one good season" calls look hypocritical when he's played the same number of FC games as Mitchell McClenaghan and done more for the team cause too I might add.
Unless you believe bowlers need less time than batsmen it looks a bit of a double standard there mate.