NZ plan to experiment against India – ‘We’ve got a different role for Allen’

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter announced plans to test explosive batter Finn Allen in the middle order during their upcoming ODI series against India. Typically a T20 opener, Allen is being considered for overs 25 to 40 to target spinners and alter match momentum ahead of the next World Cup. The tour includes five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests.

The team is also actively managing fast-bowling workloads amid injury recoveries. Will O'Rourke is gradually returning from a lower-back issue, Ben Sears is rehabilitating after ankle surgery, and Lockie Ferguson will only appear in the final two ODIs. Additionally, former wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling has been appointed as the new batting coach.