MARTIN GUPTILL – HOLDING THE POSE

A FAIRLY classical bat swing and graceful execution of textbook strokes belie the combination of power and elevation Guptill is able to create. The New Zealand opener is one of the most aggressive batsmen in the initial powerplay period, hitting through the line of length balls to take advantage of the fielding restrictions. While not averse to modern manufacturing and manipulation at the crease, he tends to rely on showing the maker’s name in follow-through and watching the ball sail straight down the ground. In the 2015 World Cup he became only the second player to hit a delivery onto the roof of the Westpac Stadium, Wellington, when he gracefully swung an Andre Russell full toss over wide long-on.