Cricket: T20 chance to look ahead to India

Andrew Mathieson made a shock debut in the final ODI against England. Photo / NZME.

Tomorrow morning's Twenty20 cricket match between New Zealand and England has much to aspire to after the compelling test and one-day international series.

Those setting future menus for bilateral series might consider T20s the entree rather than the dessert.

Having this one isolated at the end of a tour without any series context looks like a pure revenue earner rather than a match of sustainable value. Given the resurgence in popularity of ODIs, the value of T20s at international level face scrutiny.

This match risks becoming an Eton mess rather than a Michelin-starred meringue.

Add to this the issue of perspective. Australia have arrived for the Ashes. The New Zealand tour, albeit one of the most revered in recent memory thanks to the spirit in which the cricket was played, has instantly become fish and chip paper.

However, with an eye to next year's World T20 in India, there are areas of selection interest which might intrigue coach Mike Hesson and captain Brendon McCullum.

Does Andrew Mathieson debut in a second format?

The 25-year-old went from net bowler to ODI debut in less time than it took to get a playing shirt emblazoned with his name. He took Jason Roy's wicket with his first ball but went for 17 in his last over which included the winning runs of England's fifth ODI chase.

Mathieson had a Georgie Pie Super Smash record of five wickets at a strike rate of 16 and economy rate of 7.53; Mitchell McClenaghan took seven wickets at a strike rate of 13 while conceding 7.40. McClenaghan also helped win the Indian Premier league final for Mumbai with three for 25 but captain McCullum indicated he was on the outer after the final ODI.

"Sometimes players are not at their best, and you can let them plug away or cool their jets," said McCullum.

"Mitch will get another chance soon to rediscover the form shown early in his career. He's honest with himself and knows he was a bit 'two lengths' and down on pace."

Nathan McCullum? Mitchell Santner? Both?

Given the capability shown by Santner in the ODI series, it would seem odd to remove him now. Of those to bowl more than 11 overs in the Georgie Pie Super Smash, he had the second best economy rate (5.67) to Jeetan Patel (5.16).

McCullum, a T20 stalwart, might also get another opportunity to supplement the spin attack at the expense of a pace bowler. After the six-over powerplay, T20 affords the extra protection of five men outside the circle for the duration. McCullum's hitting could also be handy.

Ford, the driving force behind the Black Caps