Brownlie’s task simple: make runs
DEAN Brownlie is trying to make the most of his odd position in the New Zealand oneday international team.
It seems pretty clear he is filling Martin Guptill’s shoes at the top of the order, while Guptill recovers from another hamstring strain.
There is only one currency that works for the experienced batsman, who possesses New Zealand cricket’s best beard — runs.
Make them and he keeps himself in the frame.
Black Caps Mike Hesson suggested recently Brownlie is the batting group equivalent of the 12th man, ready to fill in wherever he is needed in the top four.
When Guptill is fit — expected to be for the third ODI in Wellington on Saturday — he will return.
Brownlie is 32, has been round the game a long time, and knows the score.
‘‘For me, it’s games I wouldn’t have played in Guppy had been fit,’’ he said of New Zealand’s past two ODIs, when he has contributed an ODI careerbest 63 against Australia, then 31 last Sunday, also at Seddon Park against South Africa.
‘‘I’ve got nothing to lose. I love playing for New Zealand. That will never change.
‘‘’I want to go out, hopefully make good contributions for the team and be part of some wins.’’
Brownlie’s batting average from his 12 ODIs is an ordinary 29.7 but you suspect he is a better batsman now than he was in his earlier stints in the oneday side.
There is also a quandary building for the Black Caps with their top order.
Lefthander Tom Latham is not in good nick but is sharing wicketkeeper duties with specialist Luke Ronchi. There is no guarantee, after a run of 22, four, seven, nought, nought, since hitting a century against Bangladesh on Boxing Day that Latham will hold his spot if more failures follow.
A GuptillBrownlie axis at the top with Ronchi taking the gloves is quite feasible.
South Africa will chase a recordsetting 13th consecutive ODI win today. It has not presented any surprises to the home side which has been reminded why it is the new No 1 team in 50over cricket.
‘‘When someone goes out they seem to replace him with someone just as good. Their depth is obviously strong. Guys keep standing up and becoming worldclass cricketers,’’ Brownlie said.
Hardhitting lefthander David Miller, recovering from an injured little finger, might make the start line this morning. If not, Wellington beckons.
South Africa bats deep and has a range of bowling options, where most bases are covered.
What New Zealand will do is anyone’s guess.
Lockie Ferguson, fresh from bagging an Indian Premier League contract on Monday night, is a good chance to play, and if so that would most likely be at the expense of legspinner Ish Sodhi.
It depends on how long the selectors will give Jimmy Neesham to make a significant contribution at No 6.
He was exposed by Australia’s fast bowlers and his seamers have also looked very hittable in recent times, and that presents risk against highcalibre batsmen led by ODI skipper and batting boss AB de Villiers.
In Christchurch