How to fix Black Caps’ T20 woes
Seven Twenty20 internationals it’s been without a win, now, for the Black Caps. Four of those when chasing a target.
Stretching back to January 2018, the men in black have lost 11 T20s when batting second; seven of those by 20 runs or fewer.
In T20 World Cup year that’s alarming and increasingly bemusing, that seemingly elementary chases with the best batsmen in, and wickets in hand, has led to such chokes. India may have a quality bowling attack but that’s no excuse for not closing it out in Hamilton and Wellington.
In nine months’ time across the Tasman the pressure will intensify, and if New Zealand can’t discover the thrill of the chase then a repeat of their 2016 semifinal berth looks beyond them.
So how do they address it, when Australia arrive for three T20s starting on March 24?
SACK THE LOT OF ‘EM
A kneejerk reaction that rears its head when the Black Caps embark on a poor run in a particular format.
As it stands, Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson, Tim Seifert and Ross Taylor are lock-ins for the T20 World Cup, for better or worse. Coach Gary Stead has already stated the majority of their squad won’t be changing, citing a small pool of international quality players.
Guptill’s looked a million dollars but not kicked on, frustratingly, and Munro produced a robust 64 off 47 in Wellington in between some mediocre knocks. Munro hasn’t strung together match-defining innings for some time, but does enough to stay in the frame.
Tim Seifert looked at home at No 3 in Wellington and Mount Maunganui, which causes headaches when Williamson is fit. Some flexibility with the order is needed, with Seifert and the skipper interchanging when needed.
Taylor had a frustrating series. He showed his power at Bay Oval then ran out of partners, and was there for all three run chases with a chance to win it, but couldn’t see it through. Williamson, despite his wonderful Hamilton knock, couldn’t finish either which shows how the after-effects of the Australian test mauling goes right to the top.
Mindset is a key thing. They’re good enough, but losing in tight run chases is a habit and after a while it snowballs.
Eyeing just 165 in Mount Maunganui there were brain explosions: Guptill not reviewing his high lbw and Munro not advising him strongly; Seifert pushing to cover and running out Tom Bruce. Seifert and Taylor looked to have rescued it then the jitters resumed. FRESH FACES
One returnee could make a difference, the Firebirds’ matchwinning allrounder Jimmy Neesham who adds swagger and hitting power at No 6. He should be there for Australia.
Bruce and Daryl Mitchell have barely had a chance; Bruce a potential batting backup who hasn’t yet fired at international level and Mitchell a solid allrounder but likely competing with Neesham for one spot.
Otherwise, Auckland pair Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman look the next best in-form contenders. Phillips probably needs a Seifert injury to get in, and Chapman is worth a try, scoring runs in all formats and offering handy leftarm spin too.
One other name: Devon Conway. The South African who becomes eligible in September and scores runs for fun and keeps wicket is a must-include in the cup squad which will make the logjam even tighter in the top-five. WINNERS AND LOSERS Veteran seamer Hamish Bennett effectively booked his T20 World Cup berth in a four or five-strong pace lineup. A clever T20 bowler, he showed all his tricks at Bay Oval to haul it back and is probably now the best death or Super Over option, potentially with Neesham.
On the flipside, Tim Southee’s confidence is low after his Super Over maulings. With Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson back and must-selects, Southee’s place in the XI will also be under scrutiny as it was at the 50-over World Cup, even though his squad spot looks assured.
Colin de Grandhomme at No 4 helped Taylor chase down targets in Sri Lanka but looked a shadow of that destructive player against India. He’s probably still in the cup squad but getting his form and confidence back is one of the top priorities.
Bruce, Mitchell and Blair Tickner all face a battle to make the final World Cup 15 unless they can break back into the XI and produce compelling performances, while Scott Kuggeleijn and the returning Doug Bracewell may enter a race for the final squad berth.