2 hrs ago
New Zealand to Trial Finn Allen in Middle Order Against India
New Zealand will play several cricket series against India.
In the one-day games, coach Rob Walter wants to try Finn Allen in a new place in the batting order: the middle.
The team wants to see if Allen can score well against spin bowlers and other bowlers during the middle overs.
This idea is meant to help New Zealand prepare for the next World Cup.
The teams will also play five T20 games and two Test matches.
New Zealand is carefully managing its fast bowlers, including players recovering from injuries.
Lockie Ferguson is expected to play in the last two one-day games.
Younger New Zealand players will get a chance to play India A, and BJ Watling has become the batting coach.
New Zealand plans to try Finn Allen in the middle order during the India ODI series, targeting spinners and fifth or sixth bowlers.
Coach Rob Walter said the experiment is a proactive assessment of World Cup options, not a response to recent high-scoring matches.
New Zealand will host India for five T20Is and five ODIs, followed by two Tests.
Fast-bowling workloads are being managed: Will O'Rourke is easing back from injury, Ben Sears is recovering from ankle surgery, and Lockie Ferguson is slated for the final two ODIs.
Mitchell Santner is set for all five T20Is; Walter also highlighted New Zealand A’s matches against India A and announced BJ Watling as batting coach.
- Who
- New Zealand head coach Rob Walter, batter Finn Allen, and the New Zealand cricket team; India is the opponent.
- What
- New Zealand plans to explore Allen in a middle-order role in the ODIs while managing fast-bowler workloads.
- Where
- New Zealand will host the India series.
- When
- During the upcoming India series; dates are not given.
- Why
- To assess batting options and depth ahead of the next World Cup while managing players' workloads.
Testing a middle-order role
Keeping established batting roles
Finn Allen's ODI position
Testing a middle-order role
Walter says New Zealand wants to test Allen's ability to influence the middle overs by taking on spinners and fifth or sixth bowlers.
Keeping established batting roles
The articles report no stated objection to the trial; they note Allen is known for aggressive batting at the top of the order in T20 cricket.
Key facts
- India series
- Five T20Is and five ODIs, followed by a two-Test series.
- Finn Allen's role
- Being considered for the middle overs in the ODIs to attack spinners and the fifth or sixth bowler.
- Will O'Rourke
- Easing back into bowling after a lower-back injury and a calf issue; New Zealand hopes he will be available for the Australia Test series.
- Ben Sears
- Recovering from ankle surgery and expected to begin running within one to two weeks.
- Lockie Ferguson
- Expected to play the final two ODIs as part of a managed return to 50-over cricket.
- Mitchell Santner
- Set to play all five T20Is; Walter said this does not affect his prospects of selection for the India Test squad.
- Batting coach
- Former wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling has been appointed New Zealand batting coach.
Quotes
Rob Walter
New Zealand head coach
“He is desperate to play and he's made no bones about that, which is awesome. I love that. But it's also just taking the right steps to the process because a number of other guys have been playing in the meantime and doing well.”
rediff.com
“We've got a different role in mind for Finn in the middle order. So we want to explore that as an option, obviously given his capability to influence the game.”
deccanchronicle.com
rediff.com
Sources
Related news
New Zealand Recalls Allen, Ferguson and Seifert for India ODIs
New Zealand Pace Conditions Set Test for India’s T20 Batters
Will O’Rourke Ruled Out of New Zealand’s India Series
Santner to Lead New Zealand in India ODI Series
Ravindra Ruled Out as Milne Returns for India T20Is
New Zealand Challenges Sooryavanshi With Pacy, Bouncy Conditions
Michael Bracewell Chooses Casual Contract to Pursue Big Bash Opportunity
Lockie Ferguson Dismisses Retirement Talks, Eyes T20 World Cup
