New Zealand Explore Finn Allen’s Move to Middle Order for ODI Series Against India

New Zealand are exploring the possibility of breaking up their aggressive opening combination by deploying Allen in the middle order, where his powerful hitting could help the team accelerate during the crucial middle overs of a 50-over match.

Head coach Rob Walter confirmed the plans after announcing New Zealand’s squad for the five-match ODI series against India, explaining that the team wants to assess Allen’s ability to influence matches in a different batting role.

“It’s unlikely that they [Allen and Seifert] will open together. We’ve got sort of a different role in mind for Finn in the middle order,” Walter said.

The coach highlighted Allen’s ability to attack spin and target the fifth or sixth bowling options as key reasons behind the proposed change. He also acknowledged that the role would require some adjustments to the batter’s approach.

Allen Set for a New Challenge

Allen has not batted outside the opening position in List A cricket since 2020 and has not featured in an ODI since September 2023. However, he has previous experience in the middle order, including an impressive 87 off 65 balls from No. 4 for New Zealand A against India A in a tour match at Lincoln in January 2020.

According to Walter, the team wants Allen to take advantage of the opportunities that arise between overs 25 and 40, when attacking batting can make a significant difference, particularly on good surfaces.

“We actually want to see what it looks like to have someone in the middle order just taking on the game,” Walter said.

He added that Allen would need to strike a balance between aggression and responsibility, as the conditions and fielding restrictions in ODI cricket differ from those in T20 internationals.

“We want him to express himself. But there obviously has to be a slight shift in it,” Walter explained, expressing hope that Allen could find a balance between his natural attacking instincts and the demands of the 50-over format.

Conway and Seifert Likely to Open

If Allen moves into the middle order, Devon Conway is expected to open alongside Tim Seifert for the first three ODIs against India. Conway will then leave the ODI squad to prepare for the Test series that follows the white-ball matches.

Newly contracted Black Cap Nick Kelly is among the options being considered to open the batting for the final two games.

Allen’s improved ability to play spin, developed through his experience in T20 leagues around the world, could make him an attractive option for the middle order. His powerful stroke play, particularly off the back foot, may help New Zealand put pressure on opposition spinners during a crucial phase of the innings.

Walter also revealed that the possibility of moving Allen down the order had been discussed during the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Auckland Aces coach Rob Nicol has also spoken with the batter about adapting his power-hitting skills to a different role.

According to Walter, Allen has welcomed the challenge and is eager to explore the opportunity.

Allen and Seifert Remain in World Cup Plans

Despite giving up his New Zealand central contract, Allen remains in contention for a place in the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, alongside Seifert.

New Zealand selection manager Gavin Larsen previously indicated that the team’s casually contracted players had expressed interest in playing in the tournament.

Larsen described Allen as one of the world’s best ball-strikers but stressed that defining the right role for him and Seifert would be important.

He also noted that New Zealand have enjoyed considerable success in ODI cricket and must balance opportunities for emerging players with the need to maintain a competitive batting line-up, particularly following Kane Williamson’s departure from the team.

The upcoming series against India could therefore provide New Zealand with an important opportunity to test Allen in a new position and determine whether his attacking ability can offer the team an additional advantage in the middle overs.