New Zealand announce 15-member squad for ODI World Cup 2023
The ODI World Cup is less than a month away. New Zealand, who finished runner-up in the 2015 and 2019 editions of the showpiece event, announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming World Cup, which is scheduled to be exclusively hosted by India for the first time.
Kane Williamson, who suffered a horrific injury during the Indian Premier League, and is still recovering, has been named as the captain of the side that comprises a plethora of star players.
NZC has a special gesture to reveal their World Cup squad
In a special gesture from New Zealand Cricket (NZC), the family members of the selected players were allowed to unveil the squad. The wholesome video has received a lot of plaudits from the fans. This is certainly a special moment for the players and their families.
Tom Latham has been named as the vice-captain and wicketkeeper of the side. On the other hand, Williamson, Daryn Mitchell, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, and Will Young are the specialist batters in the 15. Trent Boult will spearhead the pace attack that features experienced cricketers Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, and Matt Henry. Jimmy Neesham is the sole pace-bowling all-rounder while Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner have been picked as the spin-bowling all-rounders. Ish Sodhi is the only frontline spinner in the side.
Finn Allen, who was being backed as the replacement for the veteran Martin Guptill, missed the bus. Another prominent name missing from the list is left-handed batter Henry Nicholls, who has played 67 ODIs for the Blackcaps. Kyle Jamieson returned from an injury and is currently playing in the four-match ODI series against England. He also didn’t get picked in the side. Adam Milne is another player who isn’t in the squad. The right-arm pacer suffered a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the ODIs against England.
The Kiwis will begin their World Cup campaign with a repeat of the 2019 final, as they face defending champions England on October 5 in Ahmedabad.
New Zealand squad for ODI World Cup 2023: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Tom Latham (vc/wk), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Will Young
