Black Caps to distraction
no bowling in games one and two against Pakistan.
‘‘His bowling loads were up and not too bad so it’s not like we have to start from scratch but we just have to get his heel right before he has the ability to run in and bowl again,’’ Stead said this week.
Colin de Grandhomme looks a safe bet for one allrounder spot in the World Cup 15 and Anderson could well join him, but if he’s playing solely as a batsman it leaves Stead scratching his head for squad balance.
Stead and co-selector Gavin Larsen could be tempted to include five quicks and just one pace bowling allrounder, as Mike Hesson did in 2015 when Anderson was it.
Adam Milne or Ben Wheeler – another back from spinal surgery – both bat well and might be tempting prospects as fifth quick.
Jimmy Neesham remains in the cup frame too after compelling all-round form for Wellington but needs to continue to fire with the ball.
Stead hopes Anderson can be back on the field for Northern Districts soon, and feature in more than just T20 cricket.
‘‘Corey played really well [in the first two T20s against Pakistan] and showed the power that he possesses and ideally we want him to bowl because it provides another option for us. He’s one of the few guys in New Zealand that has the genuine power to hold down a position as a batsman in T20 cricket.
‘‘He hasn’t had a lot of cricket in the last 12 months.
‘‘It’s about him spending time in the middle.
‘‘We want to see him in pressure situations and getting through the other side of them as often as he can.
‘‘We know Corey is an immense talent and hopefully he can get back on the field soon and prove he’s a viable option for us at World Cup time.’’