New Zealand vs India: Martin Guptill doubtful for the fifth ODI

New Zealand stormed back into the contest a little too late at the Seddon park in Hamilton. Trent Boult was the man for them as India were bowled out for just 92 runs after which the home side made it 3-1 in the series. But they have been dealt with a severe blow ahead of the last game of the series as Martin Guptill has aggravated his lower back injury during a fielding session.

Colin Munro who was dropped from the team for the fourth ODI has been recalled again. He was released from the squad after the third match and is currently playing in the ongoing Super Smash tournament. The left-hander will join the team on the morning of the game which is scheduled to be played on Sunday.

Great chance for Munro

The news of Martin Guptill’s injury was confirmed by the official Twitter handle of Black Caps. This injury has jeopardises the hosts’ preparation towards the World Cup. Guptill is already struggling for runs. He has managed to muster only 47 runs in the series so far and the injury is not helping his cause either.

Meanwhile, this presents a great chance for Colin Munro to stake his claim again at the top of the order. A big innings in the series concluding game will change a lot of things. With Henry Nicholls doing well as an opener, the Kiwis are thinking of making him a backup opener for the World Cup and if the left-hander scores consistently in the near future at the top, then either Munro or Guptill will have to warm the bench during the mega-event.

As of now, New Zealand will be hoping to end the series on a high and go into the T20Is with some momentum. The fifth and final ODI will be playing at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

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