Rob Walter says New Zealand plan different role for Finn Allen in ODIs
Rob Walter revealed New Zealand are planning a middle-order role for Finn Allen in the ODI series against India.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said the team is considering a new role for explosive batter Finn Allen in the upcoming ODI series against India. Allen could be used to attack spinners and part-time bowlers during the middle overs.
Walter said the team wants a batter who can change the pace of the game between overs 25 and 40, particularly when batting conditions are favourable. Allen has not played an ODI in more than three years.
New Zealand will play five T20Is and five ODIs against India, followed by a two-match Test series. The matches will help the team test different combinations and prepare for future international assignments.
CricHubb Take
Moving Allen to the middle order shows New Zealand want to maximise his power-hitting against part-time bowlers rather than expose him to the new ball. The experiment could reshape how the team constructs its batting order in ODIs.