ESPNcricinfo reports that New Zealand are considering moving Finn Allen from opener to the middle order for the home ODI series against India in November.
ESPNcricinfo reported on Sunday 11 October 2026 that New Zealand are exploring the idea of turning Finn Allen from an opener into a middle-order batter in ODIs, in search of a competitive advantage. It is a possibility being explored, not a confirmed selection, ahead of the five-match home series against India in November.
| At a glance | Detail |
|---|---|
| Player | Finn Allen, New Zealand opener in white-ball cricket |
| The idea | Move Allen into the middle order in ODIs rather than opening |
| Coach's view | Head coach Rob Walter says it is unlikely Allen and Tim Seifert will open together |
| Last ODI | September 2023, more than three years ago |
| Non-opener in List A | Not since 2020 |
| Series | Five ODIs v India at home in November, starting 4 November at Eden Park, Auckland |
| Allen's availability | In the group joining for the final two ODIs, after the third ODI in Hamilton on 10 November |
Why the middle order
According to ESPNcricinfo, Walter sees room in 50-over cricket, particularly between overs 25 and 40, for a hitter to take on the spinners or the fifth and sixth bowlers. New Zealand have a different role in mind for Allen from the one he plays at the top of the order.
Walter said he and Allen already discussed a middle-order role during the T20 World Cup earlier this year, and Allen has also spoken to Auckland Aces coach Rob Nicol about it.
A big change in role
Allen has not played an ODI since September 2023 and has not batted outside the opening slots in List A cricket since 2020. His best-known middle-order innings came from No. 4 for New Zealand A against India A in Lincoln in January 2020, when he made 87 off 65 balls.
- Contract: Allen gave up his New Zealand central contract but remains in contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup, alongside Seifert.
- Selectors: Selection manager Gavin Larsen called him one of the best ball-strikers in the world, and said the question is role definition: top of the order or a finishing role.
- Context: New Zealand won an ODI series in India 2-1 in January, their first ODI series win on Indian soil.
Read the full story on Cricinfo. Cricinfo.
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