Munro looks to anchor innings

SYDNEY: Aggressive batsman Colin Munro may have given an insight into New Zealand’s batting order tactics after they created a debate on Monday following their 68-run loss to Australia in the first One-day International (ODI) in Sydney.

Munro, whose strike rate in limited overs cricket is among the highest in the New Zealand team, did not come in until number six and anchored the middle order on Sunday, scoring 49 runs from 59 balls before becoming the ninth wicket to fall.

“It was a different sort of knock than I am used to playing,” said the 29-year-old, who is more well known as a power-hitter, having scored 50 runs from 16 balls in a Twenty20 international last year.

“Given that role to take it deeper into the innings suits my game and hopefully with a few extra batters around me. I might be able to have a bit of a hit.”

In effect Munro has taken over the role occupied by Ross Taylor, who is out for up to six weeks having undergone eye surgery last week.

Taylor, who can take any attack apart when at his best, has been more circumspect from his number four batting position in recent seasons, ticking the board over and setting his side up for a final assault in the final 10 overs.