Cricket: Mills' form a headache for Hesson

Kyle Mills was back to his best against Pakistan, taking 2-29 from 10 overs. Photo / Photosport

With a career bowling average of 27 and an economy rate under five per over, Kyle Mills should be a guaranteed selection in the Black Caps' first-choice playing XI for the World Cup.

But things haven't been so black and white for the ODI veteran, who was limited by a groin strain before returning to the international game a week ago.

The efforts of Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Adam Milne and Mitchell McClenaghan have left questions around whether Mills - who will turn 36 during the World Cup - has enough left in the tank.

But he was back to his best during yesterday's one-day international against Pakistan as he took 2-29 from 10 overs.

He helped New Zealand restrict the visitors to 210 and, although he didn't have to bowl to the destructive Shahid Afridi, who smacked 67 from 29 balls, Mills' spell set the tone.

He has been a member of the national side since 2001 and has produced his best in the 50-over format. His return to form and fitness has provided Black Caps coach Mike Hesson with seam bowling options ahead of the World Cup.

Milne was the other member of the quintet who had a cloud over his fitness but returned from his side strain to claim 1-43 in his 10 overs yesterday.

Hesson can now select his seam bowlers during the World Cup based on his horses-for-courses theory which may see the likes of Milne sit out games at venues with small boundaries such as Eden Park.

Three seamers will be given the nod in each game, with a spinner to play alongside Corey Anderson's medium pacers to help fill out New Zealand's bowling unit.

Southee seems the likely spearhead with Mills close behind, which leaves Boult and McClenaghan battling to earn selection as the left-armer to provide variety. Milne can then be unleashed when the time is right.

Before last night's game, Hesson called on his seamers to deliver.

They appeared inspired by the rev-up and the competition for places in the playing XI remains intense.