5th ODI: New Zealand v West Indies at Hamilton, Jan 8, 2014

[Timbo]

Why isn't Boult considered for an ODI spot?

 

[JJ]

Think it's just that Mitch has done very well, strange one for me though, Mills and Boult would be my opening attack, with one or two of Southee, Mitch, or Milne

 

[Iafeta]

I think the problem with McCullum is that he's taking the whole "aggressive and dynamic" approach a little *too* seriously and is always looking to try new things. Which is great if things are going against you and you want to throw something new into the mix, but with the West Indies with their backs to the wall there was no need to try anything funky.

But seriously lets not forget that WI put up an inspired performance and blew NZ out of the park.

I don't think the toss or Mills mattered.

Said this a little while ago. One ball a bowler will have a 7-2 offside field, then a 5-4, then two deep backward square legs after bowling a series of good length balls outside off stick... its great to be creative, but often I sense its not done in consultation with the bowlers needs. Bowlers look to get confidence from rythym. Old mate Wagner looks to be a prime example of this. I wonder whether the coach and McCullum have tried to 'Johnson' him. But it doesn't always work. You wouldn't ask Ryan Harris or Peter Siddle to do a Johnson like job. They're not quick enough for it and they are way better using seam and swing. Wagner's fields constantly change in test cricket, and he's all over the place.

Fleming was ace at creative fields, but it was well thought out, and it wouldn't be a 2 ball plan. It'd be a consistent strategy with the bowler knowing whats expected, to either target a batsman's weakness, or brilliantly, their strengths.

 

[Iafeta]

Think it's just that Mitch has done very well, strange one for me though, Mills and Boult would be my opening attack, with one or two of Southee, Mitch, or Milne

Milne would be a long way off. For me he looks far more likely at this stage to be a long form of the game type bowler. He could have enough pace for example to set a deep leg side trap and get him to bowl quick and short, though thats not on in limited overs cricket due to RPO requirements.

1. Mills.
2. McClenaghan.
3. Southee

Southee is a little bit Allan Donald like, prefers a slightly older ball so he can control the swing better anyway.

 

[Iafeta]

Why isn't Boult considered for an ODI spot?

Should be in the squad competing with McClenaghan for the left arm swing spot ahead of Milne, who lacks control of length and comes onto the bat beautifully on NZ wickets for limited overs bowling. Judge those two on their form and what they're doing in the nets and go with your best option.