New Zealand are planning to use Finn Allen in the middle order during the upcoming five-match ODI series against India, which begins November 4 in New Zealand. The move represents a strategic shift in how the team intends to deploy the 27-year-old batter, who has not played an ODI since September 2023. Allen has featured in 22 ODIs since his debut in July 2022.
Head coach Rob Walter outlined the thinking behind this decision. The idea has been under discussion for some time and is not a reaction to recent high-scoring contests in 50-over cricket. Walter explained the rationale for exploring this new role for Allen during the series.
“We’ve got a different role in mind for Finn in the middle order. So we want to explore that as an option, obviously given his capability to influence the game,” Walter was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.
Why New Zealand are exploring Allen’s middle-order role
Walter elaborated on the specific tactical opportunity that prompted the move. The middle overs of an ODI present a distinct phase where aggressive batting can yield significant advantage, particularly when fielding restrictions ease.
“In 50-over cricket, there’s a space in the middle of the game to take on the spinners or the fifth or sixth bowler. So we’ll explore that with Finn,” Walter said.
The shift in 50-over cricket strategy
The shift reflects broader changes in how teams approach 50-over cricket. Walter noted that when pitch conditions favour batting, the period between overs 25 and 40 becomes crucial, as teams operate with an extra fielder outside the ring.
“There’s a shift in 50-over cricket, especially if the surfaces are good, where overs 25 to 40 become pretty important, while there’s an extra fielder in the ring,” Walter said.
Allen brings relevant middle-order experience to the challenge. He scored 87 off 65 balls from number four for New Zealand A against India A in January 2020 in Lincoln. The possibility of using Allen in this role has been discussed previously, including during the last T20 World Cup, and he remains open to the challenge.
Devon Conway will open with Tim Seifert for the first three ODIs before Conway departs to prepare for the Test series. Nick Kelly will be among the opening options for the final two ODIs. The series forms part of a larger tour that includes a five-match T20I series and a two-match Test series against India.
Injury updates ahead of the India series
Will O’Rourke is working through a careful return to bowling following a lower-back injury sustained during New Zealand’s tour of England. The fast bowler experienced a calf setback that delayed his bowling progression, but Walter confirmed the setback has resolved. New Zealand remain hopeful that O’Rourke will be available for the Test series against Australia.
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Walter emphasised the cautious approach being taken with O’Rourke’s recovery. The team is balancing the need to have him fit for Test cricket with the importance of managing his workload carefully.
“The injury has recovered and we’re pretty happy with that, but there’s obviously a very careful loading pattern for him to follow to be ready for Test cricket,” Walter said.
