Martin Guptill is out of touch and the backup option of Tom Latham hasn't presented a compelling case to be used as an opener at the World Cup.
Guptill was dismissed for a golden duck with the first ball of New Zealand's run chase against Sri Lanka at Westpac Stadium in Wellington last night, which marked the third time he had been knocked over without scoring during the series.
Aside from an unbeaten 66 during the abandoned match at Eden Park two weeks ago, Guptill has done little to inspire confidence that skipper Brendon McCullum has someone he can rely on at the other end of the pitch.
Latham was given the chance to open last night as McCullum was rested and he could only muster six, while his other recent efforts -- albeit from the middle order -- have not been strong enough.
New Zealand have performed well during their seven-match series against Sri Lanka but Guptill's form is a concern. He has a career average of 37 but his numbers have dipped markedly during the past year.
Since the start of the summer against South Africa in October, he has averaged 19.81 from 13 matches at a pedestrian strike rate of 65.
The problem with playing someone who is struggling is it puts further pressure on No 3 Kane Williamson who could be forced to bat from the second ball of the innings.
Guptill's plight -- he averaged 20.66 in the series against Sri Lanka; a figure inflated from the not out at Eden Park -- must be forcing Black Caps coach Mike Hesson to review his options.
Does he go with Latham for the next two games against Pakistan as a last-ditch audition? Does he promote Williamson and look to slide Latham in elsewhere? If they're looking left field, is Luke Ronchi a possibility?
The Black Caps management have rested players during the home summer as they look to the World Cup but Guptill is yet to get a break.
New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan said being given a game off was crucial for a player to mentally refresh. Guptill has the look of a man who needs a break from the grind.
The Black Caps play Pakistan in Wellington tomorrow and in Napier on Tuesday as they complete their World Cup preparations; maybe Guptill would be best suited to taking a couple of games off.
- Daniel Richardson of NZME. News Service
