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New Zealand announce squad for 2019 World Cup

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BLACKCAPS squad named for ICC Cricket World Cup

Kane Williamson will captain a 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup squad featuring more than 1000 games of ODI experience.

New Zealand is the first country to name their squad for the England and Wales based tournament in May, June and July; the announcement taking place at Tai Tapu School in Canterbury, in a nod to former pupil and World Cup debutant, Henry Nicholls.

Ross Taylor is set to become the seventh New Zealander to play at four Cricket World Cups, while it will be the third time at the 50-over showpiece for Williamson, Tim Southee and Martin Guptill.

Trent Boult, Matt Henry and speedster Lockie Ferguson round off the pace-bowlers with Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi selected as the spinners.

Colin de Grandhomme and Jimmy Neesham have claimed the seam-bowling all-rounders spots, while Nicholls and Colin Munro are the other specialist batsmen.

Tom Latham will continue as the first-choice wicket-keeper with Wellington’s Tom Blundell named as the back-up keeper.

BLACKCAPS ICC Cricket World Cup Squad

Kane Williamson (c) – 139* (Northern Districts)

Tom Blundell - 0 (Wellington Firebirds)

Trent Boult - 79 (Northern Districts)

Colin de Grandhomme - 28 (Northern Districts)

Lockie Ferguson - 27 (Auckland Aces)

Martin Guptill - 169 (Auckland Aces)

Matt Henry - 43 (Canterbury)

Tom Latham - 85 (Canterbury)

Colin Munro - 51 (Auckland Aces)

Jimmy Neesham - 49 (Wellington Firebirds)

Henry Nicholls - 41 (Canterbury)

Mitchell Santner - 59 (Northern Districts)

Ish Sodhi - 30 (Northern Districts)

Tim Southee - 139 (Northern Districts)

Ross Taylor - 218 (Central Stags)

*Number denotes ODI caps

Coach Gary Stead said it was a proud day for all involved, not least the eight players who will be attending a World Cup for the first time.

“The World Cup is the pinnacle of cricket and to be the first nation to name a squad for the tournament is really exciting.

“I’d like to congratulate all the players selected. To represent your country at a World Cup is a huge honour and I know the entire squad and support staff are looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“As with any squad named for a major tournament, there’s had to be some tough calls and there will be some disappointed players.

“The key for us was finding the right balance for the squad and making sure we had our bases covered for what is going to be a very competitive World Cup.

“As a one-day unit we’ve been pretty consistent over the past few years and possess a very experienced group of core players, proven at the top level.

“We will have three training camps through April which will involve many players who are not in this squad as it’s important they’re ready on stand-by should we lose anybody in the lead up to or at the tournament.”

The BLACKCAPS will hold wider-training camps in Lincoln on April 15-16, April 23-24 and April 30 - May 1, before a New Zealand XI squad will head to Australia for three unofficial one-dayers in early May.
 
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It's actually a stronger squad than i thought they were. One of the contenders for sure.
 
They are capable of reaching the semi's. Anything more will be a bonus.
 
Pretty strong starting 11. Lots of middle order firepower.

Guptill
Nicholls
Williamson (c)
Taylor
Latham (wk)
Neesham
de Grandhomme
Santner
Henry
Ferguson
Boult

12th man - Southee
 
A bit weak in the spin department but have enough allrounders to cover it.

If not Pakistan, I would love for NZ to win the World Cup.

Best wish to the Kiwis.
 
Good Squad.New Zealand Cricket is loaded with exciting young batsman. IMO they've put a squad together that you can't really debate. A couple of players to keep on eye on the future are:

Will Young, Josh Clarkson, Mark Chapman, Tom Bruce, Ben Horne, Glenn Phillips, Dane Cleaver, and Kyle Jamieson.

IMO This is How They Should Setup:

Batting Lineup

1. Martin Guptill
2. Colin Munro
3. Kane Willamson
4. Henry Nicholls
5. Ross Taylor
6. Tom Latham+
7. Colin de Granhomme
8. Mitchell Santner
9. Tim Southee
10. Lockie Ferguson
11. Trent Boult

Bowling Lineup

1. Trent Boult
2. Tim Southee
3. Lockie Ferguson
4. Mitchell Santner
5. Colin de Grandhomme

Biggest Strength: Batting Power Throughout the Lineup
Biggest Weakness: Contrary to Popular Belief de Grandhomme and Neesham are Batsman Who Can Bowl. Counting on Them to Bowl 10 Overs is a Mistake.
 
KingKhanWC said:
A bit weak in the spin department but have enough allrounders to cover it.

If not Pakistan, I would love for NZ to win the World Cup.

Best wish to the Kiwis.
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I don't think quality is as big a problem as there decision to only pick 1.
 
unemployedgm said:
I don't think quality is as big a problem as there decision to only pick 1.
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Depends on the pitches. If they are sluggish as they were in the Champions Trophy, spinners could be key. I dont really rate Santner or Sohdi. Vettori has never really been replaced.
 
Spinners give up 1 Less Run an Over than Fast Bowlers. Every XI should have at minimum 2 Spinners because it makes the Fast Bowlers more dangerous.
 
Sachin136 said:
Blundell is a strange pick. CdG and Munro are horrible.
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CDG comes good once every 10 games at least. But Munro hasn't come good in seemingly decades. Safe to say, the decision to have him open ala Greatbatch was an abject failure. Nicholls could have been tried there.
 
New Zealand have announced their 15-man squad for this summer’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Kane Williamson will lead the side and Ross Taylor is set to be the seventh New Zealand player to feature in four Cricket World Cups. Williamson, Tim Southee and Martin Guptill will be playing in their third tournament.

The biggest surprise is the inclusion of wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, who is yet to play a one-day international. Tim Seifert, a regular back-up in recent times to first-choice gloveman Tom Latham, has been excluded, partly due to a broken finger which has kept him out of action for the past month.

Blundell’s domestic white-ball record is modest – he has averaged 23.81 with three half-centuries in 40 games so far, though he has a Test hundred. He is also considered one of New Zealand’s most talented behind the stumps.

Blundell is uncapped in ODIs, but has played Tests and T20Is Blundell is uncapped in ODIs, but has played Tests and T20Is
The other major contention was over the leg-spinner’s spot, and Ish Sodhi beat Todd Astle to the honour. Sodhi is the more experienced of the two, having played 63 limited-overs internationals to Astle’s 11, but the latter had been the man in possession of the slot, having played in the Black Caps’ last ODI series against Bangladesh.

Seamer Doug Bracewell, who featured in New Zealand's home season, was also left out, with several other fast bowlers competing for spots.

Coach Gary Stead said that there were some tough calls during the selection process, but felt the right balance has been struck.

"The World Cup is the pinnacle of cricket, and to be the first nation to name a squad for the tournament is really exciting. I’d like to congratulate all the players selected. To represent your country at a World Cup is a huge honour, and I know the entire squad and support staff are looking forward to the challenges ahead.

"As with any squad named for a major tournament, there’s had to be some tough calls and there will be some disappointed players. The key for us was finding the right balance for the squad and making sure we had our bases covered for what is going to be a very competitive World Cup.

"We will have three training camps through April, which will involve many players who are not in this squad, as it’s important they’re ready on stand-by should we lose anybody in the lead up to or at the tournament."

The three training camps will take place in Lincoln on April 15-16, April 23-24 and April 30 - May 1. A New Zealand XI squad will then head to Australia for three unofficial one-dayers in early May.

NZ squad: Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Colin Munro, Ish Sodhi, Henry Nicholls, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Jimmy Neesham

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1154328
 
leatherface58 said:
CDG comes good once every 10 games at least. But Munro hasn't come good in seemingly decades. Safe to say, the decision to have him open ala Greatbatch was an abject failure. Nicholls could have been tried there.
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Why not pick Corey Anderson ahead of CdG ?
 
Its not a bad idea to announce the squad earlier as it gives time for players to gel as a team.
 
Would have liked to see Adam Milne.

Milne and Ferguson opening the bowling together would set the world cup alight!
 
New Zealand, Pakistan, Australia and England look good on paper.

India will lack penetrating fast bowlers and South Africa's batting will possibly be exposed. West Indies could be the surprise with powerful hitters from 1-9.

NZ

Nichols
Guptill
Williamson C
Taylor
Latham WK
Neesham
Grandhomme
Santner
Southee
Boult
Fergusan

PK

Fakhar
Imam
Babar
Hafeez
Sarfraz
Asif
Faheem
Hassan
Shadab
Wahab
Shaheen

Aus

Warner
Khawaja
Smith
Finch
Handscomb
Maxwell
Stoinis
Jye
Cummins
Starc
Zampa

Eng

Bairstow
Roy
Root
Morgan
Stokes
Butler
Ali
Archer
Woakes
Rashid
Wood
 
Blundell is a strange pick, he has a SR of 78 with avg of 23 in List A. Though most probably he isnt gonna play a match unless Latham gets unfit but still if they needed a backup keeper someone like Glenn Philips could have been a good option as he could also he been a backup opener or could have been put in the middle order if needed.

Overall decent squad, not as much firepower in batting as Eng, Ind, Aus but better than SA, Pakistan and rest.
 
Five takeaways from New Zealand’s CWC 2019 squad

New Zealand became the first of the 10 participating nations in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 to name their squad for the flagship tournament, on Wednesday, 3 April.

While the squad contained a few surprises, most notably the call-ups for Tom Blundell and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, who was selected ahead of Todd Astle, for the most part, it was what was largely expected in the months leading up to the event.

While some have been given a longer rope despite injuries and poor form, others were afforded no such luxury, as the selectors sought to balance experience, potential and performance.

At the end of it, who were the big gainers and losers? And what did we learn? Let’s take a look.

End of the road for Corey Anderson?

Corey Anderson hasn't played ODI cricket for New Zealand in nearly two years Corey Anderson hasn't played ODI cricket for New Zealand in nearly two years

In January 2014, Corey Anderson announced himself to world cricket, with the then fastest ODI century, off 36 balls, against West Indies. That innings shot Anderson into prominence, and he quickly rose to become the No. 1 all-rounder in the New Zealand side for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2015.

Since then, the landscape of New Zealand cricket has changed a lot. Anderson has been plagued by injuries and Colin de Grandhomme has stepped into Anderson’s shoes, fulfilling essentially the same role.

Since the World Cup final at the MCG, Anderson has played only 14 more ODIs for New Zealand. He underwent surgery on his left shoulder last week, which essentially ruled out his participation in this year's World Cup.

Pace still rules the roost in New Zealand

Tim Southee was picked despite a recent dip in white-ball form Tim Southee was picked despite a recent dip in white-ball form
Unlike a lot of present-day teams, New Zealand haven’t gone out of the way to slot in a wrist-spinner. Their only specialist in that trade, Ish Sodhi, is 30 ODIs old. Mitchell Santner offers the left-arm orthodox variety, but the main strength is where it has always traditionally been: fast bowling.

New Zealand’s inclination towards pace is further demonstrated by their persistence with Tim Southee, who hasn’t been at his best with the white ball in a long while. In ODIs this year, Southee has conceded runs at close to seven an over.

But with the World Cup being held in England, Southee, along with Trent Boult, could be a nightmare if swing is on offer. Additionally, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson bring raw pace, while all-rounders James Neesham and de Grandhomme offer handy medium-pace through the middle overs.

The wait continues for Todd Astle

Todd Astle is a veteran in the domestic circuit, but his international career hasn't yet fully taken flight Todd Astle is a veteran in the domestic circuit, but his international career hasn't yet fully taken flight
The leg-spinning all-rounder is a veteran of the first-class scene, with over 4000 runs in 115 matches to go alongside 325 wickets. But he is still finding his feet in international cricket, over six years after making his Test debut.

Astle has had minimal opportunities in international cricket, but he’s also not made too much of an impact in them. In four Tests, he has 56 runs and four wickets. Astle had a chance to press his case for World Cup selection when he was named for the last two ODIs against India in January this year. Those were Astle’s first games in ODI colours in a year, but he didn’t give a favourable audition.

He later took 2/52 in an ODI against Bangladesh a month after, but the performances were simply not enough to make him stand out in a competitive pool and take the flight to England.

Munro gets another chance

Colin Munro has only shown flashes of brilliance in ODIs so far Colin Munro has only shown flashes of brilliance in ODIs so far
Colin Munro averages 25 after 51 ODIs. He has seven half-centuries in 47 innings, and has often got off to starts only to throw them away.

This even as he has continued to make a case for himself with his performances in T20 Internationals. He strikes at 162 in the format and has three centuries – second only to India’s Rohit Sharma.

Munro is likely to only be used as a reserve opener. But his selection is clear indication that his potential is too good to ignore, and that the selectors are still holding out hope that he will eventually come good on his promise.

James Neesham is in for the long haul

James Neesham has taken his game up a notch since the start of the year James Neesham has taken his game up a notch since the start of the year

In six years since his ODI debut, Neesham has played 49 matches. Eight of those appearances have come this year. As of December last year, Neesham had spent 18 months out of the side. He then earned a recall for the ODIs against Sri Lanka at the start of this year and hasn’t looked back since.

In his first game back, Neesham blasted 47* off 13 balls, striking six sixes at Mount Maunganui, and followed it up with three wickets. He took that form into the next game, striking 64 off 37 balls and picking up two wickets.

In eight matches this year, Neesham has 204 runs at an average of 68 and strike-rate of 182. Add to that 10 wickets at an average of 23, and you have a player fast cementing himself as an integral cog in the New Zealand line-up.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1155047
 
Solid looking team. Think they lack power down the order but have a strong bowling attack.
 
Talked out of retirement, Neesham basks in 'surreal' World Cup call-up

Getting picked in the New Zealand squad for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 was "surreal", an elated Jimmy Neesham has said, especially since he was contemplating retirement 18 months ago.

A hard-hitting all-rounder, Neesham was among the 15 players named for the World Cup in England and Wales, starting 30 May. It was the latest step in a strong comeback for him, since returning for the Sri Lanka series at home.

Neesham had been dropped after a disappointing ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and even lost his place in his domestic side Otago. He remained out of national reckoning thereafter, before making a triumphant international return in January this year, when he smashed 47* in 13 balls. He has since maintained that form, but he explained that it had taken him considerable mental fortitude to keep going when the chips were down.

"I actually called Heath Mills [CEO of New Zealand Players Association] and told him I was going to retire," he told reporters on Thursday, 4 April. "I owe a lot to him for convincing me to take a little break and come back three or four weeks later. From then on, being able to make progress steadily, come back with Wellington and make this team as well, it's all been a pretty surreal ride.

"He talked me off a ledge a little ... Basically told me to go home, have a couple of weeks off, not pick up a cricket bat, and see how I felt in a fortnight or so and we'd gradually talk about getting back into the game. When I did go back to Otago, I didn't want to. I wanted to have another week or so off, but he convinced me the best way to get back on the bike is to just get back on and see how you go."

When I was the most driven and most motivated, I played my worst. Trying too hard isn't too helpful for me as a cricketer.
Jimmy Neesham

At the end of that season, Neesham made the switch from Otago for Wellington, and success came through runs and wickets, even as he began to enjoy the sport more. The break had helped him identify an important facet of his personality and game: "When I was the most driven and most motivated, I played my worst," he said. "Trying too hard isn't too helpful for me as a cricketer. Once I started enjoying the game again and being more carefree, that's when it started to come together.

"I put way too much pressure on myself. I wanted to dominate domestic cricket, wanted to score 100s every game. Once that starts going in a downward spiral, you aren't scoring runs and taking wickets, you put more pressure on yourself, and it got to the point where it had to break. Luckily, I took that advice and took a short break instead of a long break, and since then it's been on the up and up."

Neesham spoke to a psychologist to help him work through his frustrations. "I'm not much of a communicator at the best of times. Just being able to talk through a few of the struggles I was having off the field [was helpful] – it only took four or five sessions to really see some progress.

"I'd given the other way around a good crack, trying to get enjoyment from succeeding, but once I paid less attention to the runs and wickets, less attention to hitting balls for two hours the day before a game, and just going out and enjoying it, that was when the results started to come."

We take a closer look at New Zealand's 15-member squad for #CWC19. https://cards.twitter.com/cards/2xpgqs/755op …

Making the call-up sweeter was the fact that he had missed out on selection in 2015 – having been "the consensus No.16". "Obviously, missing out four years ago was gut-wrenching," he said, remembering how it was "bitter-sweet" watching from the stands as Grant Elliott won them the semi-final against South Africa.

Now, with New Zealand starting their campaign on 1 June against Sri Lanka, a more relaxed Neesham is set to make amends.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1167341
 
Taylor released to play for Middlesex ahead of World Cup

BLACKCAPS veteran Ross Taylor will play one-day cricket for English county side Middlesex in the lead up to this year’s ICC Cricket World Cup.

The 35-year-old has been released by NZC to take up a short-term contract with the London based franchise who play their homes games at Lord’s.

The contract means Taylor will only attend the first of three BLACKCAPS training camps in Lincoln this month and will miss the New Zealand XI games in Australia.

NZC GM of High Performance Bryan Stronach wished Taylor well for his short stint in England.

“It’s a good opportunity for Ross, and both Gary Stead and I agree playing competitive cricket in English conditions will only enhance his World Cup preparation.

“Ross is a very experienced player who knows what works best for him and in turn will be best for the BLACKCAPS.”

Taylor leaves for London in a fortnight and will play five round-robin games for Middlesex with the potential of a quarter and a semi-final on the second weekend of May.

The BLACKCAPS depart for the World Cup on May 19.
 
Before today, I thought Southee would start for NZ, but not sure any more. His pace & length might be a problem in ODI. Otherwise, their XI is solid, with every base covered.

1. Guptil
2. Munro
3. *Will
4. Nicholls
5. Ross
6. Latham+
7. Neesham/CDG
8. Shantner/Sodhi
9. Ferguson
10. Henrey
11. Boult

Solid XI for UK WC.
 
MMHS said:
Before today, I thought Southee would start for NZ, but not sure any more. His pace & length might be a problem in ODI. Otherwise, their XI is solid, with every base covered.

1. Guptil
2. Munro
3. *Will
4. Nicholls
5. Ross
6. Latham+
7. Neesham/CDG
8. Shantner/Sodhi
9. Ferguson
10. Henrey
11. Boult

Solid XI for UK WC.
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Colin Munro is going through a horrible patch of form and doesn't start in their first XI anymore. Moreover, this allows them have to 6 reliable bowlers and that 6th one can provide same batting that Munro does. Henry Nicholls is a very good opener with decent technique to face any kind of bowling, he will compliment Guptill very well.

IMO this should be their ideal XI:

Martin Guptill
Henry Nicholls
Kane Williamson(C)
Ross Taylor
Tom Latham(Wk)
Jimmy Neesham
Colin De Grandhomme
Mitchell Santner
Matt Henry
Lockie Ferguson
Trent Boult

Bench:

Colin Munro
Tom Blundell
Ish Sodhi
Tim Southee
 
CadPakFan said:
In eating Biryani.
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IIRC, since 1999 SF, Kiwis have won every ODI ICC event encounter against PAK: 2000 Nairobi, 2006 Mohali, 2009 Capetown, 2011 Srilanka...... I guess, even Biryani eating contest will be close as well.
 
Arsalan Pro said:
Colin Munro is going through a horrible patch of form and doesn't start in their first XI anymore. Moreover, this allows them have to 6 reliable bowlers and that 6th one can provide same batting that Munro does. Henry Nicholls is a very good opener with decent technique to face any kind of bowling, he will compliment Guptill very well.

IMO this should be their ideal XI:

Martin Guptill
Henry Nicholls
Kane Williamson(C)
Ross Taylor
Tom Latham(Wk)
Jimmy Neesham
Colin De Grandhomme
Mitchell Santner
Matt Henry
Lockie Ferguson
Trent Boult

Bench:

Colin Munro
Tom Blundell
Ish Sodhi
Tim Southee
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It’s between Munro & CDG - Munro is going through a bad patch but he is a better player than this, while take out PAK, I can’t recall if CDG has done anything much. Munro can bowl a bit as well, which I don’t think much inferior than CDG.
 
Latham to captain New Zealand XI in Australia

Tom Latham will lead a cast of current BLACKCAPS, World Cup stand-by hopefuls and some familiar old faces in a New Zealand XI squad named to face an Australian XI in Brisbane early next month.

Latham is joined in the side by fellow ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 selections Henry Nicholls, Matt Henry, Jimmy Neesham and Tom Blundell for three 50-over matches on May 5, 7 and 9.

Selector Gavin Larsen said the games would provide a valuable opportunity for the squad.

“It’s an exciting challenge ahead of this group who I know will relish the chance to take on the Australians at home,” Larsen said.

With nine World Cup squad members currently at the IPL and Ross Taylor set to play one-day county cricket in England before the tournament, the New Zealand XI squad features a host of players vying to be considered as back-up options for the World Cup.

“The matches will be a stern test and provide quality preparation for those players bound for England and a great opportunity for the rest of the squad to show their wares.

“Every player in the squad, apart from Will Young, has played for the BLACKCAPS and we’re backing them to give a good account of themselves.”


New Zealand XI

Tom Latham (c)

Todd Astle

Hamish Bennett

Tom Blundell (wk)

Doug Bracewell

Matt Henry

Daryl Mitchell

Jimmy Neesham

Henry Nicholls

Hamish Rutherford

Blair Tickner

George Worker

Will Young



Tim Seifert, Adam Milne and Corey Anderson were not considered due to injury.
 
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Wonder if NZ have shown all sides how its done by announcing the squad so quick?
 
The first people to announce their squad and probably the team most likely to spring a surprise on all others!
 
Somerville and Rance added to New Zealand XI squad

Auckland Aces off-spinner Will Somerville and Central Stags pace-bowler Seth Rance have been added to the New Zealand XI squad to play the Australian XI next week.

The addition of the pair, who have attended all training camps at Lincoln, expands the touring squad to 15 for the three one-day matches in Brisbane on May 6, 8 and 10.

Somerville made a starring debut for the BLACKCAPS in their series-clinching third Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi late last year, while Rance has played T20s and ODIs for New Zealand.
 
Former New Zealand international Peter Fulton will take over as BLACKCAPS batting coach following this year’s ICC Cricket World Cup in England and Wales.

The 40-year-old will assume the role from Craig McMillan who is stepping down after almost five years in the job.

Fulton played 84 internationals for New Zealand as a top-order batsman with the last of his 23 Tests coming in July 2014.

BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead said Fulton was the stand-out applicant for the role.

“We’re delighted to have Pete come on board after the World Cup and are confident he will be a good fit for our environment.

“We had a thorough process and utilised our senior players to help assess all the candidates.

“Pete obviously has a good understanding of batting, but he also demonstrated a clear vision for helping our elite batsmen.

“He’s shown he has the coaching skills through his work with the New Zealand Under 19s and our winter training squads, while we know from his playing days that he will certainly add to our team culture.”

Fulton’s term will coincide with Stead’s NZC contract which runs until the end of the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia next November.

The Canterbury stalwart said he was honoured to be offered the job.

“Like many Kiwis, I’ve watched and admired the way the team’s gone about their business in recent years and so it’s pretty special to be invited back into the set-up,” he said.

“We’ve obviously got some really talented batsmen in the country and I’m looking forward to working with them to see how they can continue improving their games.”

Fulton begins the role on July 1.
 
New Zealand have suffered a major injury scare less than two weeks ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019 with wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham nursing a finger fracture.

Latham hurt his left middle finger during the final match of the recently three-match warm-up series against Australia. He has been cleared to travel with the World Cup squad that leaves this Sunday as scans show injury is healing. However, there’s no certainty over his availability in the opening stages of the showpiece event in England that gets underway from May 30.

New Zealand Cricket selector Gavin Larsen said the decision on the 27-year-old’s participation in the warm-up games will be taken close to the fixtures. “Whether he takes his place in those warmup games we’ll take a day by day approach on that, which will be down to the medical guys and Gary [Stead] and support staff when they’re over there,” he told Trackside Radio.

With Latham likely to sit out the two practice matches against West Indies (May 25) and India (May 28), Tom Blundell, the backup keeper in NZ’s squad, could make his ODI debut.

NZC have also kept Tim Seifert and BJ Watling on standby. “They’re both ready; Tim has come off the back of his finger injury, that’s OK, and BJ has been going well. We’ve got the different skill sets covered,” Larsen said.

The 2015 World Cup finalists will kickstart their campaign for a maiden title against former champions Sri Lanka on June 1 in Cardiff.

https://www.cricketcountry.com/news...zealand-as-tom-latham-fractures-finger-844842
 
The squad trained at Whitgift School in South Croydon as they prepare for their first warm-up game of the ICC Cricket World Cup against India at the Oval on Saturday.

Wicket-keeper Tom Latham took part in the session and caught tennis balls as he continues to recover from a finger injury, although Jurgensen said he was unlikely to play the first warm-up match.
 
MMHS said:
Before today, I thought Southee would start for NZ, but not sure any more. His pace & length might be a problem in ODI. Otherwise, their XI is solid, with every base covered.

1. Guptil
2. Munro
3. *Will
4. Nicholls
5. Ross
6. Latham+
7. Neesham/CDG
8. Shantner/Sodhi
9. Ferguson
10. Henrey
11. Boult

Solid XI for UK WC.
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Lack of proper 5th bowler I think. But if they play another specialist bowler , it will weaken the batting.
 
Early scalps are Trent Boult's stock in trade and he revealed New Zealand's first powerplay priority is to take wickets.

Three overs into his spell in the Black Caps warm-up match against India and Boult's figures read 3-10, with Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul accounted for.

The 29-year-old, who has taken more wickets than any other bowler in world cricket in the first ten overs since 2015, says his side will continue to go all out to make inroads at the top.

"I think the game plan is we know what early wickets do to the batting side," he said.

"We want to be as aggressive as we can to try and get into any batting order.

"We know if we get two or three at the top, it puts pressure on any opposition. As bowlers, that's our basic plan.

"For me, it's about pitching the ball up and trying to swing the ball as much as I can.

"We'll take a bit of confidence from beating India - the crowd was awesome and it was a lot of fun."

The Black Caps have reached seven World Cup semi-finals in the past and Kane Williamson's side are shaping up well for another tilt at the final four.

Among a clutch of positives from their six-wicket win over India were three wickets for all-rounder Jimmy Neesham and half-centuries for both Williamson and Ross Taylor.

2015 was a defining year for New Zealand cricket as the joint hosts reached the final for the first time, losing to Australia in Melbourne at the last.

Boult was a key part of the side who inspired the nation four years ago and he says the 50-over format is still dear to their heart.

"The World Cup was an amazing experience - to play in our home country and see what it did for cricket in New Zealand," he said.

"To fall over in the final was pretty hard to swallow. We learnt a lot from the occasion and playing in front of 97,000 people.

"The last five years since then have breezed by and we've got an experienced side looking forward to the tournament.

"The one-day format is one we enjoy; we have a good method with bat and ball which we're confident in as a group."
 
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