Cricket: McClenaghan must be motivated to make mark during ODI series

Mitchell McClenaghan. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Mitchell McClenaghan must rank in the top echelon of "motivated New Zealand cricketers" if he's selected for the first one-day international against England (starting 1am tomorrow morning New Zealand time).

Trent Boult usurped McClenaghan before the Cricket World Cup as a left-arm ODI opening bowler with a licence to attack. The move was justified. Boult's impact in white-ball cricket has risen alongside his test presence. He has taken 25 wickets at 20.13 in 15 matches this year.

McClenaghan's ODI numbers worsened by comparison in seven matches during 2015, including none for 68 from eight overs in his sole World Cup outing against Bangladesh.

In the meantime, Matt Henry leaped over McClenaghan for a starting spot at first change in the World Cup semifinal and final when he replaced the injured Adam Milne.

Post-World Cup, McClenaghan has proved talk of his demise as a pace bowling weapon is exaggerated.

The 28-year-old was a standout performer in the Mumbai Indians' resurgence to win the Indian Premier League. McClenaghan claimed three wickets for 25, including 15 dot balls from four overs in the final, as they defeated the Chennai Super Kings.

He bowled two overs in the six-over power play where Chennai were restricted to their lowest tournament total of 31.

McClenaghan took 18 wickets across the tournament at a strike rate of 16. He was second highest wicket-taker at his franchise behind Lasith Malinga (24) after reuniting with new bowling coach recruit Shane Bond after his stint with New Zealand.

McClenaghan's form has translated to England in the warm-up match against Leicestershire. He took four for 31 from 9.3 overs. Three of the wickets were top order batsmen, but New Zealand had the luxury of defending 373. However, 43 dot balls out of 57 indicates batsmen had difficulty getting McClenaghan away.

The England series presents a prime opportunity for McClenaghan to force his way back into the starting XI. The key questions will be:

1. Is it feasible for him to bowl as first change after Tim Southee and Boult with a slightly deteriorating ball when Henry appears to have this spot secured?

2. If so, how much licence will captain Brendon McCullum give McClenaghan to attack?

McClenaghan secured a wicket every 21 balls during the 2013 England series on his way to eight wickets at 17.25. This is his chance to repeat.

A 5-0 series victory would take New Zealand to second in the world, a 3-2 loss would keep them third while a 4-1 loss or worse would drop them to fourth.

• Ford, the driving force behind the Black Caps.