New Zealand Cricket Team

As the ICC cricket world cup 2019 is approaching, teams have started announcing their squads. New Zealand took the lead and became the first team among 10 teams in announcing their ICC cricket world cup 2019 player list. Kane Williamson will be the captain of New Zealand Cricket Team with Ross Taylor playing his fourth Cricket world cup. Selectors have surprised the fans by including wicket keeper Tom Blundell who has not made his ODI debut yet. He was selected as a backup for Tom Latham in New Zealand Team Squad for cricket world cup 2019 although he has not impressed the fans with his batting yet but he is considered best behind the stumps. Tim Seifert, who used to be the regular backup for Tom Latham, was excluded from the squad due to broken figure.

Corey Anderson, who underwent surgery on his left shoulder, is not able to play in the tournament and his role is filled with Colin de Grandhomme. Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls and captain Kane Williamson constitute their top order while Colin de Grandhomme, Latham and Jimmy Neesham will fight for middle order spots.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 New Zealand Team Matches

New Zealand squad is dominated by pacers with only wrist spinner, Ish Sodhi and slow left arm orthodox, Mitchell Santner. Leg spinning all rounder, Todd Astle, could not impress the selectors despite of his excellent first class record he didn’t gave impressive performance in recent matches. New Zealand’s inclination towards fast bowling is evident with the selection of Tim Southee who is not at his best but considering the world cup venue, England, he along with Trent Boult could be dangerous if they get swing support from the pitch. Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry will add speed and all rounders De Grandhomme and James Nessham will be useful in the middle overs.

Colin Munro, although is not impressive in ODIs but has secured his position in the squad due to his excellent performance in T20 internationals. He will most likely be used as reserve opener during the world cup 2019. James Neesham has been brilliant since his recall in one day international match against Sri Lanka and has become an integral part of the team. Since his comeback, he has played eight matches with the average of 68 runs per match at strike rate of 182.

Seamer Doug Bracewell was excluded from world cup 2019 New Zealand squad because of the alternative options available. Coach Gary Stead said that available options were close and he had to take tough calls while selecting the world cup squad, but he felt that balanced team has been selected.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 New Zealand Team 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