Batsman Martin Guptill is determined to renounce a poor stretch of form by performing well in New Zealand’s World Cup final against England at Lord’s in London on Sunday.

Guptill struck a solid half-century against Sri Lanka in Cardiff at the start of the tournament, but has scored just 94 runs in eight innings since.

‘It’s bloody tough,’ Guptill told 1 News.

‘You try not to read what people are writing and hear what people are saying, but it’s hard to tear away from it all.

‘I’ve felt a little bit late on the ball in quite a few games, which is hard to deal with. You don’t want to move too early because then you get stuck.

‘The last couple of nets I’ve probably felt the best I have since I’ve been here. I’ve put a lot of time in and for it not to be working out in the middle, it’s frustrating. People can say they’re frustrated with me, but no one is more frustrated than what I am.’

Guptill was responsible for the important run-out of the veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni during New Zealand’s semi-final victory over India at Old Trafford in Manchester. The direct hit effectively turned the contest in the Black Caps’ favour.

‘Hopefully that’s a bit of luck that he takes from his fielding to his batting and maybe he can have a bit of luck and make the most of it,’ added teammate Ross Taylor.

‘Cricket’s about small margins. When we came in to the huddle, the boys were joking that Guptill always misses the stumps. When there’s a run-out on, he always missed the stumps. All those misses over the years, he only hits when there’s nothing to worry about, but he did it now, and we celebrated accordingly and we’re very happy for him.’

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