Guptill keen to put Black Cap back on
WELLINGTON: Excitement is building for Black Caps batsman Martin Guptill, who has not played for the national side since last summer.
Guptill is coming back from a hamstring injury, but is back in the side that will take on Sri Lanka in a threematch oneday series starting tomorrow in Mt Maunganui.
At the same ground nearly three years ago, Guptill scored his 10th ODI century off just 108 deliveries, hitting nine fours and three sixes before being caught for 102.
At its best Bay Oval is a batsman’s paradise, so it shapes as a good place for Guptill to make his return at the top level.
Guptill does not expect his role at the top of the order to change too much under new coach Gary Stead.
‘‘Not necessarily, just got to go out there and keep doing the same things that we do and that’s made us so successful over the last few years and try and just replicate that.
‘‘Pretty much business as usual to be honest, I don’t see my role changing too much in the side. Colin and I have just got to go out there and show what we can do and have a bit of fun at the top of the order.
‘‘I haven’t played for New Zealand since last summer which is quite a long time ago so to be back here is extremely exciting and I’m looking forward to getting back into it.’’
Guptill said Sri Lanka had a strong bowling lineup and with unorthodox fast bowler Lasith Malinga back in the mix, they will have to keep their wits about them.
‘‘He’s played a lot of international cricket and done extremely well with his awkward action so once we get back out there it’s about getting reacquainted with where his release point is and just watching the ball as hard as we can.’’
The 2019 World Cup could be Guptill’s last and says the excitement never gets old.
‘‘When you’re building for any World Cup whether it be T20 World Cup or 50 over World Cup there’s always excitement about it and you’ve just got to take each game as it comes leading into it.’’
What did the 2015 World Cup, when the Black Caps just fell as the last hurdle, teach him about what it takes to lift the trophy?
‘‘It certainly takes a lot of hard work . . . we didn’t play as well as we could have in the final but all that’s ancient history now so it’s all about moving forward and taking all the lessons learnt.’’