Cricket World Cup: Middle order a concern for Black Caps - Buchanan

Luke Ronchi failed to fire against Australia. Photo / Greg Bowker

Former director of New Zealand cricket John Buchanan says the Black Caps middle order is a concern heading into the business end of the Cricket World Cup.

Buchanan, former Australian coach and director of cricket in New Zealand from 2011 to 2013, told Cricinfo that New Zealand have plenty of confidence that can take them all the way to the final on March 29 but the middle order need to step up following a poor performance in the one-wicker win over Australia last Saturday.

"New Zealand have been playing quite consistently. I think that's a bit of a concern looking ahead so far as a low score [against Australia], good conditions still, Johnson bowls six overs for 68 and McCullum teeing off as always yet they struggled as a batting group to get there," Buchanan said.

"They've had a hiccup against Scotland. They're playing well, they're at the top of their game, hard to see them not making the final but for me there's just a couple of worrying concerns.

How McCullum and Williamson are carrying the Black Caps batting

Buchanan's not wrong. Between them Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson have scored 356 of New Zealand's 754 runs to date - 47.21 per cent of their team's runs. Between them, six of New Zealand's top eight have mustered 355, one run less than Williamson and McCullum. Extras (42), have contributed more to New Zealand's aggregate than Taylor and Vettori combined, though the latter has had only two bats.

Buchanan had plenty of praise for Kane Williamson who is averaging more than 74 in the first four innings but says he needs more back-up.

"Williamson just plays exceptionally well. He's a player, well above the age that he is in terms of experience and composure at the crease.

"At the moment Guptill's really not providing McCullum as much support as he should. Taylor's obviously not putting runs together although both are quality players and you'd expect them to start to come through. They've got a young bloke sitting on the sideline in Latham who possibly would add I think something to their side at the moment. They've got Elliott occupying that position who with the one ball you looked at him [against Australia] you'd wonder why he's in the side. Anderson is a good player, against reasonable pace was a little bit at sea. Ronchi a good hitter but again would need conditions in his favour."

Buchanan, who was coach of the Australian team that won the 2003 World Cup, says New Zealand are still a chance to go all the way despite the lack of return from the middle order.

"There are I think some question marks there but none the less they are a side full of confidence at the moment and boy that can carry you across the line no matter how many players are not playing as well as they should."