Brendon McCullum - Batting Position

[meatspx]

After smashing 41 runs off 24 balls in the latest ODI, and other important contributions such as his partnership with Andre Adams vs the West Indies at the World Cup, I think the NZ selectors should keep him batting at the 6/7/8 position.

He averages 5.4 runs at no3 after 5 innings,
17.2 runs at no7 after 12 innings,
37.60 runs at no8 after 11 innings,
and has scored a half century batting at no9.

He is clearly suited to batting when the ball is older, where he can utilise his running speed and when opening bowlers are not troubling him outside the off-stump (he has trouble playing backfoot drives/cuts and has been out twice 'inappropiately' pulling in his career).

I know the NZ selectors are looking to improve the top of the order, but throwing McCullum up the top isn't suitable and is bailing out the specialist batsmen. If a pinch hitter is wanted then IMHO somone else should be experimented with......(Oram, Vettori?). Another solution would be to play 6 specialist batsmen in ODIs.....but with the improving form of Cairns and Astle's return that may not be necessary.

I also think that McCullum should be selected for the test series. Hart is not a better wicketkeeper and his batting isn't improving.

 

[Tim]

I would keep him at 8...it's where all his success is coming from.

 

[Mingster]

Who cares where he bats in the OD game.

He's currently a floater at the moment.

 

[Tim]

Mate, you will care if NZ start to lose a few matches...right now he's working at #8 and the top order is doing quite a good job so I see no reason to bump him up to #3.

 

[Prince EWS]

Who cares where he bats in the OD game.

He's currently a floater at the moment.

I think most peopel who follow cricket do. Batting position is extremeley important in one day dames. Really silly comment i you ask me.

 

[Craig]

I'm happy at 8. That is the problem with the team, to many chopping and changing.

 

[Mingster]

I think most peopel who follow cricket do. Batting position is extremeley important in one day dames. Really silly comment i you ask me.

I was saying that he is a middle-order player. Does it really matter if he plays at 6, 7 or 8? He can moved up or down the order depending on the situation.

I too don't see any need for McCullum to jump up the order just yet.

However I still have my doubts on Marshall.

 

[hnj81]

If he is a Pakistani Player?

well, I don't know how NewZealands-- Captain and Coach think abt Brendon McCullum.. but i personally think he is excellent player... he is just like young Moin Khan.... I think he should play at the position of McMillian... where he can get some quick runs --- by his brilliant running b/w the wickets.... and cheeky shots around the wickets... very good ODI player....

 

[tooextracool]

make him the drinks carrier

 

[Jono]

I'm happy at 8. That is the problem with the team, to many chopping and changing.

To me that's the problem with New Zealand cricket, if they can get a solid team with no useless changes, they'll be more successful.

 

[Craig]

To me that's the problem with New Zealand cricket, if they can get a solid team with no useless changes, they'll be more successful.

Especially opening, other then injury, I've lost count on how many openers NZ have in the last two or three years.

 

[Richard]

Batting position is extremeley important in one day dames.

Batting position is extremely important in any form of the game.
Some people don't seem to realise just how.