Just wondering what you guys think
1) would Manchester or Egbaston suit NZ better in the possible semis? 1/4th placed teams play in Manchester
It seems like the surfaces at Old Trafford have generally been better for batting than at Edgbaston, and for NZ have a better chance against the top sides if it's not a complete road. On that basis probably Edgbaston, but that's no incentive not to finish top of the table.
2) Shami is on fire for India and he didn’t play any games till last weekend, could the kiwi players do the same? Or is it too late to change with 2 games to go?
Not too late IMO though an Australia clash is a pretty unforgiving scenario to come in all of sudden. While Shami > Southee in general, I've said before that Lord's is the one place Southee might actually prove to be a matchwinner. I would use this game to make changes (incumbents are not performing anyway, though Henry has actually been alright) and go back to earlier selections in the final game if you feel the change isn't working.
3) would holding some of the players back eg Sodhi and play him as a surprise in the knock out be a possibility? I don’t think we are gonna win the thing without some smart tactics and surprises...
Would only play Sodhi if the conditions suit, like they should have done vs Pakistan. But, in general yeah some flexibility in selections and thinking during the game would be welcome
4j can Blundell be the 12th man and keep the whole innings especially if we Bat first?
Think Latham's keeping has been okay mostly (the dropped chance off Babar was a tough one), it's his form which is the problem
Very annoyed that the bench players are not getting a run, purely from an injury back up plan point of view, Blundell has the hot hands and is a great keeper, now he is probably rusty, Sodhi might be good to replace Henry but he has being really solid even after unfairly chucked in to “remember the name” Even getting them to field would be good..
Cheers!
