Seamers in the spotlight
The Black Caps are back in action tonight – and this time they should be competitive.
You don’t often see the national men’s cricket team taking what was almost a threeweek break in January, during the height of the New Zealand summer.
But after what the test side went through in Australia, losing each of the three matches by more than 240 runs, it was a respite they probably needed.
Only five of the team from that tour are involved in the Twenty20 series against India – Kane Williamson, Colin de Grandhomme, and Ross Taylor in the heart of the batting lineup, and Tim Southee and Mitchell Santner leading the way with the ball.
The game’s shortest format is inherently a leveller and five compelling contests no doubt await, starting tonight at Eden Park in Auckland.
India were last in New Zealand last February, for pair of whiteball forward,’’ Williamson said.
‘‘I’m not the only one that is trying to lead that – there are a number of other guys, senior players and some younger guys who obviously share the passion, and that’s encouraged in the group.
‘‘The leadership thing is a collective approach . . . it is enjoyable and you do learn so much about yourself and about the team.
‘‘Without a doubt there are a number of challenges that come throughout that period that you are in the job, and I’ve been series, and it was the Black Caps who got up in the Twenty20 component.
Tim Seifert and Southee helped them take the first match, scoring 84 off 43 and taking 3-17 off four respectively as they in it for some time now, and you are forever dealing with those challenges.
‘‘It’s part and parcel of the job, but for me the focus is very much helping the team to grow and move in the right direction.’’
New Zealand Cricket bosses have paid lip service to the idea of having different captains for different formats – saying it would be something to discuss as part of the standard post-tour review process – and Williamson didn’t exactly slam the door shut on the idea. posted 219-6 and claimed an 80-run win.
The Black Caps only made 158-8 in the second match at Eden Park, which India chased down with ease.
But they passed 200 again in the third, finishing with 212-4 thanks to Colin Munro’s 40-ball 72, then held their nerve to win by four runs.
India didn’t have their talisman, Virat Kohli, in that series, nor did they have Jasprit Bumrah their standout white-ball bowler, so they will be stronger this time around, even with
Shikhar Dhawan ruled out with a shoulder injury.
The Black Caps will be able to call on opening batsman Martin Guptill, who was injured a year ago, but won’t have speedster Lockie Ferguson, who played in the first two matches of the 2019 series, but is currently recovering from a calf strain.
In Ferguson’s absence, and with Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Matt Henry, and Adam Milne also in the recovery ward, the spotlight will fall on the Black Caps’ raw-looking seam attack.
Southee will lead the attack, while Santner and Ish Sodhi will be good for eight overs for spin, but the visitors will fancy their chances of exploiting the other eight.
Hamish Bennett is set to make his Twenty20 international debut at some stage in the series, and if he carries on performing like he did in the Super Smash – and like he has in his limited one-day international career – his contributions could prove crucial.
Scott Kuggeleijn made two contributions with the bat in his first two matches, at the start of last year, but has been expensive with the ball, conceding 9.68 runs per over while taking just five wickets in nine outings, and will potentially be playing for his place.
Blair Tickner has made just three appearances for the Black Caps, but showed promise in taking 2-25 off four in a win over England in Nelson in November.
How that trio – and all-rounder Daryl Mitchell – fare could go a long way to deciding the series.
The battle between Bumrah and the Black Caps’ batsman will also be one to watch.