The former cricketer-turned-broadcaster Ian Smith wants New Zealand’s plans for the 2017 ODI World Cup in India to include seasoned top-order batsman Martin Guptill.
Because of Ross Taylor’s retirement in 2022 and Kane Williamson‘s injury in the IPL in 2023, New Zealand’s batting has been noticeably deficient in experience. Smith therefore wants Guptill to have more chances to secure his berth in the major tournament.
It’s interesting to note that the 36-year-old was not included in the New Zealand ODI team that traveled to India earlier this year. According to head coach Gary Stead, they are considering their options beyond Guptill, which explains why Finn Allen has been given numerous opportunities at the top of the order. Ian Smith has urged the selectors to think differently, but the youngster has yet to demonstrate his abilities.
“I understand where they’re coming from with Finn Allen, but you need to score runs,” said one selector. I’m sorry, but Allen needs to demonstrate some form for me. Martin Guptill remains a favorite of mine. Is he past his prime? Is he finished? Is it better to simply put him to pasture? SEN Radio cited Smith as saying, “I don’t know.
“With all that knowledge and expertise, I probably would have said yes to Martin Guptill before Kane Williamson became inactive.
Finn Allen isn’t doing it for me, so I’m having second thoughts,” Ian Smith continued.
Notably, Devon Conway is the only cricketer in New Zealand’s top order who has played a significant amount of cricket in India and has the necessary expertise in dealing with pressure conditions. Smith said that Conway has too much on his plate since he can’t simultaneously play the roles of an attacking batter and an anchor.
“If you take a look at a player like Conway, who is also having a great season in the IPL, you are actually expecting him to see off a new ball while simultaneously belting it to the fence. There is risk involved there without a doubt. My late, dear friend Martin Crowe once advised, “Always let your best batsman face the most deliveries” in 50-over cricket. I mean, that’s his specialty; just be fair and let him take the most deliveries,” Smith continued.
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