http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754’s rotational headache continues as squad for fourth ODI against Pakistan announced
New Zealand’s curious rotational policy continued as New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced the squad for the fourth One Day International (ODI) against Pakistan on Monday.
NZC selection panel made two changes in the 12-man squad for the fourth match at McLean Park on Tuesday.
Opening batsman, Jesse Ryder, comes back in the squad after being left out of the third ODI at Christchurch. He flew out to play for his domestic state, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Wellington-c864 on Sunday but only managed to make a mere four runs before becoming a run-out victim.
The successful opening pair will be back for Tuesday’s match at Napier, with Martin Guptill taking up the opening honours with Ryder. Brendon McCullum will be going down the order once again.
However, spinner http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mills-c76321 were left out of the 12-man squad, both of whom played for the Black Caps’ 43-run loss at Christchurch on Saturday.
New Zealand’s skipper, Daniel Vettori, is also back in the squad, who was rested along with Ryder for the third ODI against Pakistan.
Off-spinner Nathan McCullum, who was the 12th man at Christchurch, will be moving up the order, with Jacob Oram most probably being handed drinks responsibilities.
However, left-arm medium-fast bowler, James Franklin, is most affected by this confusing policy as he has been left out of the squad once more.
Franklin, who is included in the 15-man World Cup squad will be training with the team at Napier but will be released to play for his domestic team on Wednesday.
Franklin, who scored consistently during the tour of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 in December 2010, will be missing his second successive match for the Black Caps ahead of the World Cup that begins from 19 February in the sub-continent. Even though he is touted as New Zealand’s
regular Number five, he is yet to bat in the series.
“It is incredibly tough on James...we need performances from a guy like him”, the Black Caps Captain admitted.
NZC is experimenting with the “player rotation” system that made headlines for New Zealand’s rugby campaign. The Black Caps are working to revamp their batting woes as each member of the 15-man World Cup squad is given a chance to bat at the middle.
“We’re trying to not let it (rotation) affect us, guys coming in and out, changing position...but as an International cricketer you’ve got to be better than that”, Vettori stated.
However, the former Test captain hinted that the first 11 in the fourth ODI might be out on the field for the final two games of the six-match series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755.
The series is levelled 1-1, and Vettori’s men will try to find a way to halt Pakistan’s momentum after the tourists won the third ODI.
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