Seifert backs Allen to thrive in middle order for New Zealand in ODIs against India

Ahead of the 4th ODI at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on November 13, New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert has spoken warmly about the prospect of his regular T20I opening partner Finn Allen featuring in the middle order during the ongoing five-match ODI series against India. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter had hinted at a possible new role for Allen lower in the batting order, and Seifert has backed that idea with enthusiasm.

In ODIs, Allen has accumulated 582 runs across 22 innings from 21 matches, with five fifties to his name and an average of 27.71. Those numbers underline the attacking capability that Walter and Seifert believe could translate effectively into a middle-order role against India.

"He is a talented player. He has done very well for New Zealand and also around the world as well. So, with his skill set, he can adapt wherever. So it will be exciting seeing him potentially come in the middle order there," Seifert said ahead of the fourth ODI clash, as quoted by the press.

India lead the series 2-0 after winning the 1st ODI on November 4 and the 2nd ODI on November 7. The 3rd ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton on November 10 was washed out due to rain, leaving the series at 2-0 heading into the Bay Oval encounter.

How has Seifert found his new ODI opening role?

Seifert has been opening the batting in ODIs for the first time during this series, a departure from his usual middle-order position in the 50-over format. He reflected on the experience candidly, noting both the novelty and the enjoyment of the challenge.

"I have enjoyed it. It has been a wee while. Also opening the batting for the first time as well. All of my other games have been in the middle order. So it has been a new role as well, which I have enjoyed and, you know, hopefully we can win a toss or have a good wicket," Seifert said.

Seifert himself is no stranger to versatility. Across 95 T20I appearances, he has scored 2,408 runs at an average of 30.87, with 18 fifties and a strike rate of 146.73. His ODI record is more modest: 97 runs from seven matches at an average of 19.40, with a best score of 38. In the current series against India, Seifert has opened the batting for the first time in ODIs, contributing scores of 38 and 0 across the two completed matches.

What tactical factors does Seifert highlight for Mount Maunganui?

With the 4th ODI set for Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, Seifert pointed to the importance of running hard between the wickets, particularly during the middle overs when fielding restrictions ease and boundaries become harder to find. He drew a comparison with the Indian side's well-regarded running between the wickets as a benchmark for New Zealand to match.

"I think especially in the middle overs, you know, a lot of a lot of twos, a lot of running hard. You know, you see Virat and the Indian boys, you know, they are very good between the wickets now, and that is also what we pride ourselves on as well, running hard between the wickets," he said.

He also addressed the specific conditions at the open Bay Oval ground, where wind and boundary dimensions present their own challenges for batters.

"So I think it definitely does not affect much, probably in the top 10 (the powerplay overs), but especially when you have four fielders out, five fielders out, you know, just that hard running between the wickets. And, yeah, look, you cannot just stand there and potentially whack it for six, especially there is quite a big wind here as well, quite an open ground. So it is just kind of those little challenges that are out there as well," he added.

New Zealand will need to address those conditions effectively if they are to pull one back in the series at Mount Maunganui on November 13.