2017 ICC Champions Trophy – Captain’s Corner – Five Tactics New Zealand Must Use To Beat England

Nov 2, 2023 at 3:47 PM

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2017 ICC Champions Trophy – Captain’s Corner – Five Tactics New Zealand Must Use To Beat England

For the game at Cardiff between hosts England and New Zealand, it wouldn’t be wrong to admit that the Blackcaps dugout will be the more concerned one.

This happens, owing to their game against Australia being abandoned at Birmingham a few days ago, which seemed to be a certain victory. As a result of those points being equally shared, New Zealand now stares at an extremely precarious position. A loss to England could well mean the end of their campaign.

While New Zealand will be hoping for a miracle in the form of Bangladesh beating Australia to aid their chances, a lot depends on their own game against an in-form England outfit. England has been among the most improved sides of recent times and carries a lot of momentum going into the clash.

The Blackcaps will have to tick all boxes in order to get going and we have a look at the five tactics which they must use to defeat England at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

Martin Guptill
 
Martin Guptill Fires At The Top:

Martin Guptill’s love affair in England is well known, as it was right here where he got that majestic 189 way back in 2013. There is something about facing England in England which brings the best out of this destructive right-hander.

Averaging a massive 59.2 in England with a strike rate of almost 99 to go with it, there is no secret behind Guptill’s form in this part of the world. For New Zealand to beat England, the opener will have to replicate at least these statistics, as he remains the team’s biggest match winner.

With even Bangladesh piling up more than 300 against the English bowling lineup, a lot will depend upon Guptill to propel his team to a colossal total.

  1. Kane Williamson Drives The Middle Order:

The Kiwis flagged off their campaign in some style thanks to the sheer elegance and beauty with which skipper Kane Williamson batted against Australia.

During his flawless ton at Birmingham, Kane oozed class and grace with every stroke, as he toyed with the helpless Australians. However, once he was dismissed none of the middle order batsmen could capitalise on that and a collapse was witnessed.

Being the most technically sound batsman, Williamson will have to fulcrum that middle order and ensure that he bats through and maintain a solid base for the last 10 overs.

Jimmy Neesham
  1. Neesham and Anderson Step Up As All-Rounders:

In the form of Corey Anderson and Jimmy Neesham, New Zealand has access to two gifted seam bowling all-rounders.

Apart from being destructive with the bat, the two can bowl quite a few overs in tandem which can be of great help to the other bowlers. However, against Australia, the two failed to get going with the bat and didn’t get the opportunity to bowl.

With the ball, their 10 overs in total could be extremely critical for New Zealand. If they manage to be economical and take a wicket or two, England would need a far greater effort to counter the main bowlers.

Thereby, Neesham and Anderson must step up in both departments for New Zealand to win.

Trent Boult
 
Trent Boult Carries On His Good Form:

With overcast conditions on offer, Trent Boult is a lethal package right at the start with the shining new ball. He made that new ball count against Australia, as he sent danger man David Warner packing back to the hut.

During New Zealand’s previous tour of England in 2013 as well, Boult struck frequently with the new ball to give his team the edge at the top. Against an indifferent Jason Roy, Boult has an ideal opportunity ahead of him to make another strong start.

As Roy fights an uncertain patch, Boult must exploit that to his advantage and chip in with a couple of wickets within the first 10 overs. If that happens, England would be pushed on the backfoot for the taking.

Joe Root
  1. Get Joe Root As Soon As Possible:

Not many batsmen around can torment the opposition as Joe Root can surely. The England number three has been in some sublime form since the last few months and scoring half-centuries for him have been a daily routine.

He was so fluent against Bangladesh that no even realised how effortlessly he reached his century and went on to score a career-best score.

Undoubtedly the biggest thorn in New Zealand’s flesh, getting Joe Root early will be the top priority for Kane Williamson. Just in case this beast manages to get settled, it’s going to be doldrums for the Kiwis.

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