New Zealand name 15-man squad for World Cup: Details here
The ICC World Cup 2019 is all set to start from May 30 onwards in England and Wales. The 10 participating nations have to announce the 15-man squad by April 23. New Zealand have announced their squad, which looks solid in all the three departments of the game. Uncapped wicket-keeper Tom Blundell is the surprise inclusion in the side. Here is more.
Skipper Kane Williamson has the credentials to deliver
Kane Williamson will be leading the team and the Kiwis would be counting on his excellence to go the distance in the coveted tournament. Williamson has led New Zealand well across formats and he is a respected figure in world cricket. He will be helped immensely by senior figures in the team. Williamson has scored 5,555 runs for New Zealand in 139 ODIs.
Taylor set to play his fourth World Cup
Ross Taylor has enjoyed some solid form in recent times and he had a terrific 2018 season with the bat. The experienced batsman is set to feature in his fourth career World Cup. Other veteran stars such as pacer Tim Southee and opening batsman Martin Guptill will be playing in their third World Cup tournament. This bodes well for the Black Caps.
Key information regarding surprise pick Tom Blundell
Blundell got the nod over Tim Seifert as the back-up keeper in the squad. This is largely due to Seifert battling with a finger injury that has kept him out of the game over the last one month. Blundell has a modest domestic white-ball record. He averages 23.81 with three half-centuries in 40 games. He is considered a real talent behind the stumps.
I'd like to congratulate all the players selected: Stead
"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 is a huge honor," said coach Stead.
Here's the 15-man New Zealand squad
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.
Analysis of the New Zealand squad
The New Zealand squad looks strong and can hurt opposition teams. The pace department, in particular, is loaded with variety. Southee and Trent Boult would lead the show. Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner provide quality in the spin department. Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme are solid all-rounders. What New Zealand need will be consistency with the bat to set the base.
