Tom Blundell - An eye-opening case of ignorance by New Zealand

As the Kiwi side was outplayed by Mumbai in the drawn match, with Suryakumar Yadav and Siddhesh Lad scoring attacking hundreds, the world got reminded of the fact that the Indian city has almost four times the population of the Tasman island. New Zealand’s lack of resources has always been a case for the team. A case that was pointed out by former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith recently. But the case with Tom Blundell wasn’t a predicament borne due to any scarcity of resources. Instead, it showcases the faulty management by the board. 

Blundell’s case has been the biggest example of ignorance by the New Zealand management as until the ongoing Boxing Day Test at Melbourne the 29-year-old was overlooked time and again despite many signs that indicated his inclusion as the need of the hour. But the time and circumstance wherein he was actually chosen to play, was in Australia where the Kiwis were already trailing the series 1-0. The pressure of facing the wrath of the one of the best pace attack in the world, comprising Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson and Pat Cummins, was massive. Had New Zealand actually groomed Blundell for this challenge, the world could’ve witnessed the batsman in his full abilities.

Raval's fall started with the Test even though his declining form was screaming for a remodelling. In the last two years, Raval’s aggregate has gone down to 20s and his recent single-digit scores at Perth only showcases the poor form that has been persistent. Perhaps, Mitchell Starc was right when he sledged Raval, “You wouldn't want to ruin it. The last chance of your career." As Starc went on to dismiss the batsman for 1 off 21, his prophecy indeed came true with New Zealand replacing the opener with a long-estranged player. 

But this was, like all of New Zealand’s decision, a call that the team rushed into. Firstly, Blundell has only batted at No.7 before this and he was asked to open in challenging conditions after Australia posted a gigantic total of 467. Secondly, the team had the same mistake of not grooming Henry Nicholls before replacing Colin Munro as opener midway in the World Cup. 

If you were thinking the Kiwis last had a stable opener in Peter Fulton, then no, you were wrong. Fulton, who retired in 2014, had an average of 25.4 in his career. Since then only the first two years of Jeet Raval and a particular Tom Latham have managed to sport the 40s figure. Perhaps, a well-groomed Blundell could’ve been the missing puzzle in the Black Caps' batting mix and an answer to their opening woes. But that’s something the management should’ve planned since 2018. Everyone from Mike Hesson, Kane Williamson to Gary Stead have failed in that front. There’s still hope for magic to happen at some point. But let me remind you, things don’t happen that easy down under.