Anchors haven't gone out of fashion

One-day cricket may be spoken of as some kind of an imposter in this T20 era, but the one important aspect this rainy-day sporting entertainment invented more than half a century ago has retained is the batting anchor.

- N Ananthanarayanan

{ODI CRICKET} THE HOLDING MAN IN THE MIDDLE-ORDER 

Not always in its classical avatar, but the batter who takes charge in a tough situation, spreads calm and helps teammates draw up the response that is initially conservative is a cricket tactic that has never gone out of fashion even amid a frenetic, robust, franchise-triggered approach.

New Zealand have made as bright a start to their World Cup campaign as could be asked playing far away from home, but they would hope Kane Williamson eases into his role as captain and batting rudder once he returns from a long injury break against Bangladesh on Friday.

The Kiwis have the big-hitters, bat deep and collectively have the temperament to go with talent they will need if they are to make amends this time after losing the 2019 final to hosts England on a heartbreak called boundary count.

Williamson made his World Cup debut in 2011, when co-hosts India lifted the trophy. But he has been a towering figure since. In 2015, New Zealand under Brendon McCullum lost to fellow co-hosts Australia in the final. Williamson then hit two centuries and two fifties each, averaging 57.8 in 2019 to guide the Kiwis to the final.

England's array of power-hitters are an envy to most rivals, but they still can't do without arguably the most classical batter in the game-Joe Root. His game may be seen as too tame for T20, but the manner in which he can manipulate the bowling regardless of conditions or opposition makes him an invaluable asset.