New Zealand plot Finn Allen middle-order experiment for India ODI series

Finn Allen to be trialled in a new role

New Zealand will use the upcoming five-match ODI series against India to experiment with explosive batter Finn Allen in the middle order, with head coach Rob Walter confirming the side wants to explore a different role for the dynamic opener ahead of the next World Cup.

Allen, who usually opens the batting in T20 cricket, could be tasked with attacking spinners and part-time bowlers through the middle overs, with Walter keen to see whether his game-changing ability can be harnessed between overs 25 and 40, particularly when batting conditions are favourable.

"We've got a different role in mind for Finn in the middle order. So we want to explore that as an option, obviously given his capability to influence the game," Walter said, as quoted by PTI, during a virtual media interaction.

"We actually want to see what it looks like to have someone in the middle order just taking on the game," Walter added, underlining the thinking behind the planned trial.

A packed itinerary against India

The experiment will unfold across a busy stretch of fixtures against India, with New Zealand scheduled to play five T20Is and five ODIs followed by a two-match Test series. Walter believes the tour offers the ideal opportunity to test different combinations and prepare the squad for future international assignments.

New Zealand, who named split squads on October 11 to balance their white-ball campaign with Test preparations, recalled Allen along with Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert for the final two ODIs of the series, while Rachin Ravindra returns from a shoulder injury for the first three matches. That scheduling means Allen's middle-order audition is set to arrive in the closing games of the tour — with a potential World Cup role as the prize.