Guptill should be included in team planning for ODI World Cup: Ian Smith

Auckland : Former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith wants veteran top-order batsman Martin Guptill to be reintroduced into the team’s plans for this year’s ODI World Cup in India as Kane Williamson’s injury and Ross Taylor’s retirement weaken the team. Has occurred. The 36-year-old Guptill has played 198 ODIs and was not included in the limited overs squad that toured India in January this year. The Guptill era was almost over when head coach Gary Stead announced the squad for the limited-overs series against India in November last year.

He said the success of Finn Allen as an opener means the experienced Guptill will have to make way for another player. This is what happens in high performance sports. Against India, however, Allen did not bat (39, five and two) and averages 20.85 in seven matches this year. Terming it as a concern, Smith said, “I can understand the selectors’ view on Finn Allen but you have to score runs.” Smith, who played 63 Tests and 98 ODIs for New Zealand, told SEN Radio, ‘He (Allen) has to show his rhythm. I’ll still back Martin Guptill. Is his time up? Has he played his part? Shouldn’t his name be considered now? I do not know.”

He said, “If Kane Williamson was available for the team, I would probably not think so, but his absence and Allen’s poor form forced me to think about other things.” He suffered a serious knee injury while fielding during the match against Kings and will be out of action for the entire IPL 2023 season. The chances of him being available for the ODI World Cup to be held in October-November this year are very slim.