**Official** Pakistan v New Zealand in the UAE 2014

[BeeGee]

I thought NZ would coast to 253....what happened?

Williamson has things under control.

 

[BeeGee]

The tour pattern continues.

What odds on Pakistan winning the toss in the next game? Un-****ing-canny.

 

[Meridio]

WAG Kane is. Not only does he make an unbeaten 70, he also helps run Devcich out.

 

[GGG]

Just need to find another decent middle order batsman, Latham doesn't cut it with the white ball.

 

[Howsie]

Anderson bowling with very good pace these days, he's a proper fast medium now. He's put on about 5kmh from last season.

Last season was pretty much the first time he'd bowled full time since like 2010. Not surprised at all that his pace is picking up, was always capable of it.

 

[Hurricane]

It's good we won but surprised brownlie and devcich came off

 

[grecian]

WAG Kane is. Not only does he make an unbeaten 70, he also helps run Devcich out.

He and you are just jealous of the beast that is Devcich.

 

[BeeGee]

Just need to find another decent middle order batsman, Latham doesn't cut it with the white ball.

We already have one. McCullum.

Unless you're talking purely about this series, then the only option is Neesham, or if Guptill is fit, moving Brownlie or Devcich to five.

 

[Hurricane]

He and you are just jealous of the beast that is Devcich.

We will trade him to you for Dernbach, if the trade goes through jade will be used as a net bowler to bowl to Kane 4 hours per day.

 

[GGG]

We already have one. McCullum.

Unless you're talking purely about this series, then the only option is Neesham, or if Guptill is fit, moving Brownlie or Devcich to five.

McCullum to open or if not then who opens with Guptill, Brownlie or Devcich?

 

[Jezroy]

Just need to find another decent middle order batsman, Latham doesn't cut it with the white ball.

I still reckon Watling is worth a look at that role, but I suspect the NZ selectors do not agree with me. Or even Elliot? Someone who can turn the strike over, but not neccessarilly a massive biffer. I think if Latham wants in the ODI team, he needs to open. Again, I suspect the NZ selectors do not agree with me. Promising stuff from Devcich/Brownlie this morning though.

 

[Bahnz]

More convinced than ever that NZ need to go with both Henry and Milne in the World Cup squad.

 

[hendrix]

Kippax to upload Matt Henry and Adam Milne's spells.

 

[hendrix]

More convinced than ever that NZ need to go with both Henry and Milne in the World Cup squad.

so Boult to definitely miss out. Probably NcCullum too.

 

[Binkley]

I am really enjoying this tour. The atmosphere in the tests was limited or just plain weird, but the crowds at the shorter stuff have been good value. Plus, the games are close and the opposition seem like thoroughly likeable blokes. Especially their captain. I only wish the games were played at a more watchable hour.

 

[BeeGee]

McCullum to open or if not then who opens with Guptill, Brownlie or Devcich?

McCullum hasn't opened in an ODI since Mar 2011. He's a lock at 5. The second openers spot is the only batting spot (currently) up for grabs. Devcich and Brownlie are currently auditioning...

 

[BeeGee]

so Boult to definitely miss out. Probably NcCullum too.

Boult, yes. NcCullum, I'm not sure. You know how much Hesson loves to play two spinners. I think he might like to have that option if the pitch is a turner.

 

[Kippax]

Alderson's reporting was all about locking McCullum in to open in ODIs again ftr. He's had a lot of access to the team in the UAE, so I'd be disappointed if he was just purely speculating about that one.

 

[hendrix]

But that means two right handers. Unless Guptill is usurped by Devcich or Latham.

 

[Kippax]

Key World Cup questions: Who will open the batting? - Sport - NZ Herald News

Andrew Alderson

Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill.

McCullum returns to take the pressure off Guptill so he can fulfil more of an anchor role.

The captain still averages more as an opener in 80 innings (33.06) than he does from Nos 3-5 in 36 innings (30.96). If calamity strikes early, Kane Williamson can repair the innings at No3.

The decision would help counter the alarming statistic that among test-playing nations, New Zealand's average ODI opening partnership over the past two years is the worst at 18.36 with a run rate of 4.17 and highest stand of 66. Next worst is the West Indies' average partnership of 29.57.

The selectors don't want Brendon McCullum exposed to spinners early in his innings.

McCullum and Guptill's average stand is 44.16 in 20 outings at a run rate of 5.43, including eight in excess of 50. That makes a compelling case. Even taking out potential outliers at the 2011 World Cup like unbeaten stands of 166 and 72 against Zimbabwe and Kenya respectively and 53 against Canada, the average is still 29.65. They last opened together in the semifinal against Sri Lanka.

However, establishing an injury back-up option is a priority. Anton Devcich and Dean Brownlie have shown promise but that needs fulfilment in the coming weeks. Their fielding skills would also be a World Cup asset, even as 12th men. Another option might be to use Tom Latham as a substitute opener, creating a more permanent space in the middle order for Jimmy Neesham.

Dylan Cleaver

Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill.

It seems that they have gone away from the idea that Brendon McCullum is a middle-order "finisher" and now think he's more effectively used to set up the innings. I tend to agree, but only in certain conditions.

It is clear that they do not want McCullum exposed to spinners early in his innings, particularly those with an effective arm ball. Even with the ICC's recent, stringent enforcement of the 15-degree rule culling the practitioners of doosras and mystery balls, McCullum still struggles early against orthodox spinners. He doesn't pick it from the hand or through the air, relying instead on exceptional hand-eye co-ordination and bat-speed to get him out of trouble. This works when he's "in" but is far less effective at the start of his innings.

Which is a long-winded way of saying that McCullum and Martin Guptill are in pole position to open.

In ideal circumstances I'd prefer a left-right combination to complicate opposition bowling lines and field placements, but these two have enough class and, importantly, power to compensate.

If it doesn't work, expect a quick change to a Tom Latham-Guptill combination.