New Zealand coach Mike Hesson hints at trying out Colin Munro as opener in India

New Zealand head coach, Mike Hesson, believes that hard hitting left handed batsman Colin Munro could prove to be a good opening option. The team is scheduled to tour India next month for a limited overs series. Hesson feels that Munro could essentially succeed in the Indian conditions. He noted that the team management is open to new options and are looking for aggressive batsmen.

Adding more to the point, Hesson remarked that playing in the middle order demands some time to settle in. In his opinion, Colin Munro could be a more successful option if he starts to bat in the top order, at the opening slot in particular.

“Colin’s a very destructive player and very much plays on instinct. His ability to take pressure off Martin at the top of the innings and create a bit of a two-pronged attack like we had with Brendon [McCullum] and Martin is something we’re keen to explore,” Mike Hesson quoted as per the quotes in stuff.co.nz.

“We find with Colin that we try to remove having to think too much about the state of the game. When you bat at five and six you’ve got to adjust and we think Colin is better going out and playing. He can play the swinging ball and is certainly skilful enough to push his case there,” he added.

On middle-order woes

One area where the black caps have failed to find consistency is the middle-order. Speaking about this, the Kiwi coach is hopeful of finding someone who can adapt to different match situations. The need for a well rounded game player is something that the team is keen on unearthing during the tour of India. They would want to get the box ticked ahead of the 2019 World Cup.

“You need someone who is able to direct you towards a win in terms of owning the last 20 overs. The guy at five has got to be really flexible; there are times you come in at 20-3 or 200-3 and you’ve got to have a well rounded game. There are times when it requires power and times when it requires a bit of graft,” mentioned the Kiwi coach.

On finishing games

Lastly, he spoke about the role of the finishers in the team. Corey Anderson, who has been doing the task for the Kiwi side over the years, is likely to be ruled out with an injury. In his absence, Mike Hesson expects Colin de Grandhomme to step up to the occasion and take responsibility in Indian conditions.

“We want to see that Colin can navigate us to a win and control those back end overs. He’s got the power to do it, and with the ball he’s a bit different from the others and there’s a chance to perform in Indian conditions,” conceded Hesson.