CdG may be close to the end of his test career, but none of the quick bowlers are fit to take his place at no.7 in the lineup even though they may have/had the raw batting chops. All of them to varying degrees follow the Southee playbook when it comes to batting. Jamieson probably comes closest but doesn't seem to care much about improving his ability in that area (based on the manner of his dismissals - can only recall him holing out).
Of course you would argue it's not their job and as long they're taking wickets it probably doesn't matter. But thinking back to how the likes of Nash and Vettori, and later Mark Craig could make life difficult for opposition bowlers, I think NZ are missing out on a potential strength here.
bowlers that say it's not their job to get runs if they're taking wickets is a situation I really detest.
if it's a close test match, it simply could be the winning of the match if a player decides to grind out 20-25 runs.
it's not just the runs they score, but if it's done with a more senior batsman, then the partnership could easily be 50/60+runs.
if 2 bowlers can chip in with such a feat, the difference in a tight game is overwhelming.
the psychological affect on the fielding team when this happens is actually worth its weight in gold.
bowlers should treat their wicket with respect, and put a cost on it like it really matters.
Kyle Jamieson started his career very well, possibly even getting his average early on to over 50, but since then it just looks
like he hasn't really given a toss, and now it invariably appears that he throws his wicket away.
he has more ability than what he has produced lately, someone in the right position needs to have serious words with him,
in other words give him a good kick up the arse and enlighten him just what the real value of a test wicket is.
it's all very well throwing your wicket away when the team is heading for a big victory, but still, getting into a good habit is going
to help big time when you play tests that are close and can go either way.
as far as the Southee playbook goes, he plays by his own book like no other.
don't want to dribble on about what I've said before, but for me there's no doubt he should be batting at number 11.