I wonder who Franklin will replace. On merit from the Aussie series you would have to say that Martin and OBrien performed better than Southee, but i dont really think with our batting line up we can carry two bunnies at the end, so IMO, one of those two has to make way for Franklin. Southee stays on potential.
The tragedy may be that we may change the bowling lineup but, .. because there is little else, the batting lineup may stay the same.
It will also be interesting what the selectors and this new coach do. A cleanout or hope these same players will improve. Bring in more 28+ year old journeymen, or take a punt on youth.
For me, With the top 6 batting order, only 2 guys are certainties. Ryder and Taylor. Everyone else is in danger for their place.
Taken that Ryder and Taylor should bat 4 and 5, we need 2 openers, a no3, and a 6.
For the openers, The contenders are,
Redmond- I dont think his skill level is up to it. Not a long term option. Sooner gone the better.
How,-I hoped he would improve and turn out good but now I think what we see now is what we are going to get in the future. He seems to miss the ball a lot,not the same hand eye coordination as others. If selected long term, might drag his average up to 28 or 30 but not much more.
McIntosh- too inconsistent, Sinclair reborn ( before death, strange). would follow a string of low scores with a really, really low one IMO.
Hay- hasnt done well this year and hasnt opened for a few years, not since age group cricket. Youth on his side and last few years showed good consistency which is a rarity in NZ cricket.
Guptill,- Hasnt scored a first class hundred yet (HS 99) . Young but apparently talented.
Bell- Groundhog day
Papps- See Bell
Cumming- 33 years old now. He might average 25 or so if given another chance. See papps.
On assessment of this I've decided to support the west indies,