Who’d be a selector? There’s some tough calls to make heading into Wednesday’s must-win fourth ANZ ODI v South Africa at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
With champion opener Martin Guptill fit and available and Wellington spinner Jeetan Patel also in the squad - what are the options for the BLACKCAPS Xl?
Guptill for…?
Tom Latham was the BLACKCAPS top scorer in in the ODI series v India and got a century against Bangladesh not long ago. He has however been light on runs this series, though has been a solid performer with the gloves. Dean Brownlie was seen as a fill-in for Guptill while out inured, but has taken his opportunities nicely and made a strong argument to maintain a place in the XI.
So – who does Guptill come in for? Coach Mike Hesson has hinted Ronchi will get an opportunity in the next two games, which may swing the odds in Brownlie’s favour…
Ronchi for…?
So say Ronchi did come in. Best suited to the middle order, it seems likely either Neil Broom or Colin de Grandhomme would need to make way. De Grandhomme’s been useful with both bat and ball so far this series and is filling the crucial fifth bowling option.
Broom hasn’t got going in this series yet, but is an experienced hand and has the scores 73, 97 and 109* not long ago this summer. If Broom is to play instead of de Grandhomme, then Williamson and Neesham would need to get through ten overs between, which wouldn’t be out of the question on a spin friendly Seddon Park pitch.
How much spin is too much?
Remember when AB de Villiers said after the first match that the Seddon Park pitch was one of the spin friendliest ODI surfaces he’s faced outside of the sub-continent? It’s probably that sort of assessment which has led to wily old off spinner Jeetan Patel being called into the squad, giving the BLACKCAPS the depth of three front-line spinners.
Santner is a lock, Ish Sodhi was a handful last time in Hamilton and has a phenomenal record at his home ground, while Hesson has mentioned he like the idea of Patel turning the ball away from the South African left-handers. Three spinners in an ODI in New Zealand – is it possible?
Who you got?
So 15 into 11 doesn’t quite work. Time to play selector and tell us your thoughts on who will be in the staring line-up on Wednesday. Comment on our Facebook page with who gets the nod from you - blackcapsfacebook.
BLACKCAPS Squad for fourth ODI in Hamilton
Kane Williamson (c)
Trent Boult
Neil Broom
Dean Brownlie
Lockie Ferguson
Colin de Grandhomme
Martin Guptill
Tom Latham
James Neesham
Jeetan Patel
Luke Ronchi
Mitchell Santner
Ish Sodhi
Tim Southee
Ross Taylor
