ZCZC
BSP-05
CRICKET-NZL-AUS-T20
New Zealand keeps faith in Guptill for Australia T20 series
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, Feb 13, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – New Zealand retained
injured Martin Guptill in their squad named Sunday for the upcoming Twenty20
series against Australia but have placed this season’s breakout star, the
uncapped Finn Allen, on standby.
A renowned big-hitting opener and a veteran of 94 internationals, the 34-
year-old Guptill had a disappointing run of form in five matches against the
West Indies and Pakistan in December when he averaged only 17.
In New Zealand’s domestic competition his average was a low 11.5 before he
missed the last two rounds with a hamstring injury while the 21-year-old
Allen blazed away with 512 runs at an impressive 56.88.
New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said the matches against number two-
ranked Australia were “a significant step” in the build up to the World Cup
in India later this year and if Guptill fails a fitness test when the squad
assembles in Christchurch on Friday he will be replaced.
“Martin’s our incumbent opener and our highest T20 International run scorer
so we’re backing him to do the job at the top of the order, but he will need
to prove his fitness and it’s good to know we have a ready replacement in
Finn on stand-by,” Larsen said.
“Finn’s been in outstanding form and he’s certainly an exciting talent.”
There’s a settled look to the remainder of the squad where wicketkeeper Tim
Seifert will also open the batting with captain Kane Williamson at number
three.
Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman are set to continue in the
middle order after strong starts to the international season.
Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson and Hamish Bennett make up the
pace-bowling quartet, with Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi the spinners and
Jimmy Neesham the all-rounder.
The opening match against Australia is in Christchurch on February 22.
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Hamish Bennett, Trent Boult, Mark
Chapman, Devon Conway, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn
Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.
BSS/AFP/GMR/1022 hrs