That verdict comes after Guptill made 76 from 88 balls in last night's match against Pakistan in Napier.
It was the opener's best ODI innings this summer, adding to a steady 39 off 48 balls in Wellington. A summer ODI average which looked flaky at 19.82 with a strike rate of 65 two matches ago marches towards respectability at 25.62 with a strike rate of 71.
It reflects the form he'd established at Ford Trophy level with the second highest average of 69.50 in four matches over the Christmas holidays.
Coach Mike Hesson has played the situation brilliantly, saying he didn't want to create a "headmaster's office" culture. He never flinched as questions about Guptill's form became repetitive and eventually a source of public angst.
Hesson said it was sometimes difficult, as any cricketer knows, to translate practice in the nets into the pressure of a game.
The impact of Guptill's fielding is also important. He saves a stack of runs and places batsmen on the heels rather than the balls of their feet, especially within the 30m circle.
Guptill responded positively to Hesson's act of faith, even if he had to walk to the middle of McLean Park with Pearl Jam's "can't find a better man" lyric blaring in his ears from the public address system.
He was defensive to start, getting to 19 off 43 balls before accelerating as he judged the length better. His left elbow was high and he appeared less impulsive. He waited until the ball was below his eyeline, perhaps a nod to the tutelage of New Zealand great Martin Crowe. He repeatedly took guard in what looked a conscious effort to focus his mind. A sweep to the boundary off Haris Sohail in the 16th over was one of his best-timed shots and suggested he was seeing the ball well.
The crowd willed him on and delivered a rousing send-off which let him know empathy survives in Hawkes Bay.
- By Andrew Alderson of the Herald on Sunday
