Blundell's struggles under spotlight ahead of critical England series

One of the most contentious selections areas for Blackcaps coach Gary Stead heading into their blockbuster home test series against England could be who he decides to hand the wicketkeeping gloves.

Amid the historic overall team result, incumbent Tom Blundell endured a largely miserable time during the recent tour to India - both behind the stumps and with the bat.

Through his five innings in the three-test series, the Wellingtonian averaged a meagre 10.6 runs, while his glovework was marred by some glaring errors.

Prior to his 60 in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, where the result was all but decided, he hadn't surpassed 40 runs in an innings since the second Test against England at his home ground of the Basin Reserve back in February 2023.

According to former NZ coach Mike Hesson's assessment, Blundell was indecisive during his time at the crease in the subcontinent and needs to revert to his natural aggressive approach with the bat to regain some confidence.

"I think he needs to get back to doing what he does best, which is looking to attack first," Hesson told SENZ's Scotty & Izzy.

"At times, he got a little bit confused. He got out reverse sweeping a few times. I don't actually mind that, it's the fact he got bowled through the gate to the orthodox offspinners a couple of times, which to me was just an in-between option.

"He loves the short ball. He sweats on the short ball in New Zealand conditions, so I don't think that's a bad thing.

"But I think he has to get back to being really decisive with his thinking. At the moment, it just looks a little bit clouded and then that can come from a lack of confidence.

"So, get back to what you know. Get back to looking to attack first."

Hesson notes there are some emerging candidates waiting in the wings to take Blundell's place in the Blackcaps red-ball XI against Ben Stokes' side, where there will be crucial World Test Championship points at stake.

Mitch Hay - who made his T20 debut for the Blackcaps in Sri Lanka this week - has impressed on the domestic scene for Canterbury, averaging 46.07 through 31 first-class innings.

Dane Cleaver is another in the mix, having shone for Central Districts in his 84 first-class appearances, scoring at 38.00.

Meanwhile, the battle has continued for Blundell - who has played 37 Tests since his 2017 debut - at Plunket Shield level, failing to fire in his first outing for the Wellington Firebirds in this week's showdown with Auckland, managing just six runs before having his middle stump removed by Simon Keene in the first innings.

But Hesson believes Stead will keep the faith with the 34-year-old for their upcoming series against Brendon McCullum's English - at least, for the opening Test in Christchurch - where there will be crucial World Test Championship points at stake.

"They want to give him an opportunity back in New Zealand conditions," Hesson added.

"Clearly he struggled in the subcontinent with the bat and, at times, with the gloves as well. But he has performed well in New Zealand.

"I think they'll go with Tom Blundell to start with. It seems to be the consistent theme. If not, whoever's banging them out in domestic cricket, whether it be Dane Cleaver, whether it be Mitch Hay, there are some options there for New Zealand selectors."

The first of three tests against England begins at Hagley Oval on November 28.

Listen to the full interview below:

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