World Cup selection weighs on Munro

Colin Munro’s decision to shelve redball cricket came down to one factor – being at his absolute best for the

2019 Cricket World Cup.

The explosive Black Caps

Twenty20 and one-day opener will sit out the rest of the Plunket Shield four-day season and was unavailable for the New Zealand XI squads named yesterday to face England.

After missing selection for the

2015 World Cup, which was cohosted by Australia and New Zealand, the 30-year-old wanted to do everything in his power to gain selection for next year’s event and be at the top of his game.

Munro has had his moments as a limited-overs opener, especially in

T20s, since being trialled there during October’s tour of India. He has opened 15 times in ODIs, hitting three 50s, while also getting out for

49 twice.

His choice was partly based on a dip in passion for long-form cricket and some recent injury niggles making it difficult to bowl long spells with his gentle medium pacers.

The World Cup was the No 1 motivator, and Munro was desperate to make an impact in England at the tournament, which runs from next May to July.

‘‘The World Cup, for me, that’s the target. I missed out on the last World Cup and you saw how the boys loved it and went that far.

‘‘So it’s something I’m very passionate about and want to hone my skills on fully developing. I’ve done OK at the top of the order, but I haven’t quite nailed it.’’

Munro made his one and only test appearance against South Africa in Port Elizabeth in 2013, notching 0 and 15 batting at seven.

He averages an impressive 51.58 from 48 first-class matches and was a contender for the No 5 test spot, but has decided better opportunities lie in white-ball internationals and T20 franchise cricket.

Munro was disappointed he didn’t get greater test opportunities when he had done well domestically for Auckland, but said other middleorder batsmen had seized their chances.

‘‘I think I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wanted to play more test cricket in that time, but if you look at the way the guys did and the guys that have come in and made a real go of it.’’

He follows England duo Alex Hales and Adil Rashid, who recently announced their focus on white-ball cricket only.

Munro contemplated the idea after the Indian tour and said New Zealand Cricket were supportive. He spoke to his mentor, former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum, who advised him to do what was best for himself and his family.

Being unavailable for tests shouldn’t affect his spot on the NZC contract list, he believes.

‘‘I think this is the best choice moving forward. This is the decision I want to make for myself. It’s not anything else, besides what I think will benefit my career in the long term.’’