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The Blackcaps ODI Cricket World Cup has been announced with the big return of Aotearoa’s captain, Kane Williamson.
Williamson joins Tim Southee in having played four or more ODI Cricket World Cups. There are six players in the squad who have never featured in an ODI World Cup before.
Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Will Young are the six never to have played an ODI World Cup before. Chapman, Conway, Mitchell and Phillips have however all represented Aotearoa in T20 World Cups before.
The pace bowling attack will be led by the experienced Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Matt Henry who have all played in three or more ODI World Cups. Lockie Ferguson is the other pace bowler selected in the squad.
There is a good balance of all-rounders in the squad with James Neesham, Mitchell, Ravindra and Mitchell Santner all handy with both ball and bat. Batters, Chapman and Phillips are also other possible spin options if needed.
Ish Sodhi is also selected, with the squad being named at his old high school, Papatoetoe High School in Auckland. “It’s easy not to pinch yourself, but being named in a World Cup squad is a dream come true” Sodhi stated to the media this morning.
Tom Latham has been named as vice-captain of the squad and will also assist with the job of wicketkeeper.
In the batting department, Conway and Young will be the likely candidates to open, but if needed Ravindra, Chapman or Phillips could step up to the role. Williamson is likely to play at number three in the lineup, but it is unclear if he will be fit for the first game.
Coach Gary Stead said “It’s always a special time to name a tournament team and I’d like to congratulate the 15 players selected today. It’s a great honour to represent your country at a World Cup.
“From Kane and Tim heading to their fourth tournament to the guys selected for the first time, it’s always a very exciting time.”
Multiple players such as Finn Allen, Adam Milne, Kyle Jamieson and Henry Nicholls would all count themselves as unlucky to not make the side. Milne’s non-inclusion could be down to an injury issue however, after he was ruled out of the remaining England ODIs following a hamstring injury.
Blackcaps coach, Gary Stead said “As with any squad named for an ICC tournament, there have been 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 tournament.”
Stead will be assisted by regular batting coach Luke Ronchi and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen with the World Cup being his final assignment before he makes the move to Cricket Wellington as head coach of the Firebirds. The team will also be assisted by James Foster during the tournament.
Blackcaps ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Squad
Kane Williamson (c)
Trent Boult
Mark Chapman*
Devon Conway*
Lockie Ferguson
Matt Henry
Tom Latham (vc,wk)
Daryl Mitchell*
Jimmy Neesham
Glenn Phillips*
Rachin Ravindra*
Mitchell Santner
Ish Sodhi
Tim Southee
Will Young*
*First One Day Cricket World Cup selection
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