2023 ODI World Cup: The former cricketer-turned-broadcaster Ian Smith wants New Zealand’s plans for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India to include veteran 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 spot in the mega tournament.
Curiously, the 36-year-old was left out of New Zealand’s ODI team which toured India earlier in the year. Head coach Gary Stead already mentioned that they are thinking beyond Guptill and that’s the reason why Finn Allen has been getting a lot of chances at the top of the order. Smith has urged the selectors to think differently, but the youngster has yet to demonstrate his abilities.
“I see 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 favourite of mine. Is he past his prime? Is he finished? Is it better to simply put him to pasture? I don’t know,” Smith was quoted as saying by SEN Radio.
“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,” Smith continued.
Significantly, 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 speciality; just be fair and let him take the most deliveries’, Smith continued.
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