What role can Munro play in the starting XI

[Hurricane]

So in the minds of many people I have spoken to both online and off line we have to find a place and position for Munro to contribute. He simply gets on with the job and is fearless. He may not be the most skilled but he is fearless as mentioned.

Please answer the poll for where you think he can perform best...

 

[Mike5181]

The guy that brings out the water for the real players.

 

[hendrix]

middle order reserve. Good player of spin and would add some impetus in the middle overs.

Basically Neesham's replacement if he continues his poor form.

 

[Zinzan]

As I've said a few times now, I'm a real fan of Munro & believe he will provide us a real point of difference. Hits the ball to different areas than most along with being one of the best exponents of the reverse shots I've seen. Unfortunately one has to assume he's behinds the likes of Brownlie & Devcich in the pecking order based on this squad touring the UAE.

 

[Athlai]

middle order reserve. Good player of spin and would add some impetus in the middle overs.

Basically Neesham's replacement if he continues his poor form.

Is Neesham in the first xi though? Munro is only in the setup if mccullum opens imo,

 

[Zinzan]

middle order reserve. Good player of spin and would add some impetus in the middle overs.

Basically Neesham's replacement if he continues his poor form.

Personally I think he's a better ODI option than Neesham, but then again what does actual performance have to do with anything;

In 16 ODIs, Neesham averages 16 with the bat with a SR of 87 whereas in 7 games Munro averaging around 28 with a SR of 98. And lets be honest, in ODIs, Neesham is nothing but an absolute liability with the ball, I mean it's xmas time for opposition teams when he comes into bowl, he just gifts them runs & has little to no control. There's no doubt Jimmy is an incredibly talented cricketer with lots going for him, but right now, he's not quite up to it IMHO.

 

[Hurricane]

I wish munro was 10kms quicker. I voted for 6th bowler. He has an excellent action but is too slow and yet not dibbly dobbly enough either so my vote was more with my heart than head.

 

[vandem]

I'd like to see a place for him in the starting XI. In the knockout stage, when Amla / De Villiers / Warner / Kohli etc have scored a big 100 and we're chasing 350, Munro at #5 will be more use than Latham at #5, especially now that we have a stable #3 / #4 combo. With Munro / Anderson / Ronchi we would have an outside chance to chase down any total.

 

[hendrix]

Is Neesham in the first xi though? Munro is only in the setup if mccullum opens imo,

I'm talking about the squad. I think Munro has a case for Neesham's spot in the squad.

 

[Athlai]

I'm talking about the squad. I think Munro has a case for Neesham's spot in the squad.

I guess but I'd still have Neesham in there ahead of him.

 

[Flem274*]

I'd like to see a place for him in the starting XI. In the knockout stage, when Amla / De Villiers / Warner / Kohli etc have scored a big 100 and we're chasing 350, Munro at #5 will be more use than Latham at #5, especially now that we have a stable #3 / #4 combo. With Munro / Anderson / Ronchi we would have an outside chance to chase down any total.

I bet you only eat the icing when you're given a piece of cake.

 

[Zinzan]

I bet you only eat the icing when you're given a piece of cake.

Let's be fair here, you're not suggesting Neesham is the main part of the cake are you? The point is with Ryder out there's not many other solid proven options out there, so if we're looking at some icing, it might as well be really sweet.

 

[Mike5181]

I bet you only eat the icing when you're given a piece of cake.

You have to eat the whole cake like that fat kid from Matilda.

 

[Flem274*]

Let's be fair here, you're not suggesting Neesham is the main part of the cake are you? The point is with Ryder out there's not many other solid proven options out there, so if we're looking at some icing, it might as well be really sweet.

I would only play one of Anderson and Neesham, with Ronchi at #7.

 

[Zinzan]

I would only play one of Anderson and Neesham, with Ronchi at #7.

See I don't consider Neesham as a genuine all-round option in ODIs at all, his bowling is too poor to rely on him even for 1 over at this stage of his career.

 

[vandem]

I'm talking about the squad. I think Munro has a case for Neesham's spot in the squad.

I don't see a place for Neesham in the squad. Hasn't scored enough runs to be backup batsman (but not sure who selectors will pick, Brownlie? perhaps Watling?). Anderson's spot seems secure and his fitness seems OK, and if he needs a break in pool play then NMac can cover. Young quicks are bowling so well there'll be two reserve spots in the squad (my guess Milne + Henry with Mills unlucky), rather than 1 seamer and 1 all-rounder.

 

[Zinzan]

I guess but I'd still have Neesham in there ahead of him.

Why?

 

[Hurricane]

I think it is inevitable that Neesham and Latham will become good international odi players. I am just not certain whether they can learn the game in time and sufficiently to score runs against the best bowlers in the world who will be actually trying hard ( as opposed to the effort they put into their 150th odi in some meaningless bilateral series)

 

[Zinzan]

Precisely ^

The only difference being I would like to see Latham get a couple of opportunities as an opener, but palpably the selectors aren't thinking that way.

 

[hendrix]

I think it is inevitable that Neesham and Latham will become good international odi players. I am just not certain whether they can learn the game in time and sufficiently to score runs against the best bowlers in the world who will be actually trying hard ( as opposed to the effort they put into their 150th odi in some meaningless bilateral series)

I agree with this, but the counter to that is the fact that guys like Brownlie and Devcich are also unproven, and significantly less likely to eventually become good international players.

Munro actually has a bit more experience than either of them though.