The New Zealand batsman had a rather strange experience in the recently completed ODI series against India. They challenged the high score set by India in his ODI in a particularly thrilling first, but the top batter didn’t leave much of a mark, with the exception of Devon Conway.
India, on the other hand, has been helped by opening pitchers, especially Shubman Gill. Among New Zealand’s top three, 23-year-old Finn Allen’s performance was particularly disappointing. Allen gave chase for New Zealand in difficult batting conditions, winning 39 to 40 balls in his first ODI, but was then dismissed for back-to-back ducking.
Former New Zealand opener Craig Cumming has said that while Allen is young and learning, he is concerned about the fact that he is failing at a very important position for the BlackCaps.
“I’m concerned around the style of cricketers we’re trying to produce. I want to produce Devon Conways, I want to produce Kane Williamsons; the guys that have got craft and can bat and they’ve got more than one (skill),” Cumming told SENZ Mornings on Thursday.
“Finn Allen at the moment, he’s young, he’s learning but (he’s in a) really important position for us at the top of the order and he seems to be at the moment a one-pace, one-line hitter.
“At the moment it’s failing and maybe Finn’s getting the experience, I mean they’ve got to stick with him, but he’s not producing enough at the moment.” Cumming compared Allen with India captain Rohit Sharma, who is known for his prowess to hit the ball a long distance in the shorter formats of the game but has also proven to be a formidable Test opener in recent years. “Look at Rohit Sharma and how they (India) play. Sure they are strong, but they are also great in the way they carry out their plans. There’s a baseball-style mentality and pace is key with each hit.Try hitting a home run and that’s all we want,” Cumming said.