Martin Guptill of New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images
New Zealand has a problem at the top of their batting order.
Martin Guptill is out of touch and the backup option of Tom Latham hasn't presented a compelling case to be used as an opener at the World Cup.
Guptill was dismissed for a golden duck with the first
ball of New Zealand's run chase against Sri Lanka at Westpac Stadium in Wellington last night, which marked the third time he had been knocked over without scoring during the series.
Aside from an unbeaten 66 during the abandoned match at Eden Park two weeks ago, Guptill has done little to inspire confidence that skipper Brendon McCullum has someone he can rely on at the other end of the pitch. Latham was given the chance to open last night as McCullum was rested and he could muster only six.
New Zealand have performed well during their seven-match series against Sri Lanka but Guptill's form is a concern. He has a career average of 37, but since the start of the summer against South Africa in October, he has averaged 19.81 from 13 matches at a pedestrian strike rate of 65.
