Wellington: New Zealand has announced their 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup 2019, which will be held in England and Wales starting May 30, on Tuesday. Rookie wicket-keeper batsman Tom Blundell has been included in Kiwi team as a back-up option for regular glovesman Tom Latham.
Blundell is the only surprise in New Zealand's World cup squad as the Blackcaps selector opted for experience in their side. Blundell has been included in the squad after Tim Siefert, the regular back-up to Latham, broke his finger in a domestic match last month.
When the Kiwis will be beginning their WC campaign this year, they will aim to shed their tag as valiant losers and claim the title. So far, six-times the Kiwi team has been knocked out from the semi-finals of the fifty overs mega tournament. New Zealand suffered a heavy defeat to Australia in the only final they played in the WC four years back.
New Zealand are currently sitting at the third spot in ICC ODI ranking. They are only behind England and India.
“We’ve got a squad here of 15 players that we think can give us a really, really good chance of going far into the tournament,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “If we play close to our potential, then hopefully we can do New Zealand proud.”
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Mitchell Santner is expected to lead New Zealand's spin attack. Ish Sodhi has claimed the second slow bowling position by edging Todd Astle.
“Selecting the spinners was very tough, and both had signs at times that they should’ve been the one that was selected... but at the end of the day that’s my call to make,” Stead added.
Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme have been picked as all-round options. The pace attack includes Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry.
Colin Munro has also been included despite his ordinary outing with the bat in limited overs game in last few ODIs.
Henry Nicholls can open New Zealand's innings along with Martin Guptill. Skipper Kane Williamson and number four Ross Taylor will give depth to New Zealand's batting line-ups.
New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka in their first match in World Cup on June 1 in Cardiff.
New Zealand squad for World Cup:
Kane Williamson (capt), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor
