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The ODI Cricket World Cup will be a different affair compared to last time around. The Blackcaps have lost many key players in the last few years with Ross Taylor retiring from international cricket and Martin Guptill only playing franchise cricket this year.
The Blackcaps have faced many injuries since the last World Cup including Kane Williamson’s ACL injury that he recovered from in the span of only a few months. This World Cup is the end of an era with the main core group of players having one last hurrah while the youth will be pouncing at the chance this World Cup represents.
The ‘main core’ I’m talking about is the guys who have been around since or even before the 2015 World Cup. Kane Williamson is in high spirits after 6 months to forget. He has had an ACL injury coming from the IPL however he has been ruled out for the first match of the tournament. Tim Southee has had a recent hand injury and is also ruled out for the first game of the tournament.
Kyle Jamieson has been installed in the squad as cover however he may not be used in a match. Trent Boult has not been active within the Blackcaps set-up much in the last year and a half. He has gone off to play franchise cricket most of his time while remaining on a casual contract for the Blackcaps. Tom Latham has been the reliable wicketkeeper and Vice Captain to Kane Williamson for a while now and he will look to kick on in what might be his last World Cup.
The batting department has seen a shake-up in the last few years with Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor dumping international cricket while the Blackcaps can’t settle on an opener. Devon Conway has held strong at one end however Will Young and Finn Allen have been duking it out to be the 2nd opener. However, Allen hasn’t been picked after showing poor form and dropping out of favour. 3, 4 and 5 pick themselves with Williamson (if he is fit), Glenn Phillips and Tom Latham.
There could be a case for promoting Mitchell higher but this has been the regular order in the last few years. A spinning all-rounder will be picked nearly certainly but it remains on who it is. Santner has been consistent and ready to go whenever a problem has arisen or playing in the subcontinent. However, Rachin Ravindra will be a shout going into the tournament. He has impressed with the bat and ball in the past few seasons but time will tell how the tournament plays out.
The bowling attack will be a tight contest this tournament with 3 pace and 2 spinners most likely to be used throughout the whole tournament. Trent Boult picks himself with outstanding form whenever he plays for the Blackcaps being ready to go out onto the park and win. Tim Southee will be a doubt for the first game however Lockie Ferguson with pace and Matt Henry are the pace options. The spinners are slim for the subcontinent. Ish Sodhi with a few part-timers is where it’s at. The options are minimal for New Zealanders with spinners for the subcontinent. This is concerning however they are ready to power ahead and win this tournament.
In conclusion, this isn’t the strongest World Cup squad Aotearoa has ever brought to the tournament. This squad is ready to write the wrongs of 2023 and kick on to win (even if that means another super over).
Predicted XI:
Will Young
Devon Conway
Kane Williamson (C)
Glenn Phillips
Tom Latham (WK)
Daryl Mitchell
Mitch Santner
Tim Southee
Ish Sodhi
Trent Boult
Lockie Ferguson
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