Team New Zealand at ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Squad, Player Profiles of New Zealand National Cricket Team for CWC19
As New Zealand look to clinch their maiden World Cup title, we take a look at each player in the 15-man squad.
The Black Caps are known for their good run when it comes to the World Cup’s and last edition’s finalist will be eager to do well in England. The competitiveness in the 2019 World Cup is expected to be at its peak and this is where teams like New Zealand can give the favourites the scare. Although they had quite a poor home series against India a few months ago, they perfectly fit the bill of Dark horses. Having reached the final four in seven World Cups, their performance depends a lot on the start they get. Kane Williamson will be hoping they get few points on board early on to enjoy a smooth sailing into the semis. A look at their 15 member squad for the 2019 World Cup. Schedule of Team New Zealand at ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: List of NZ Team’s Matches, Time Table, Date, Venue and Squad Details.
Kane Williamson: The Kiwi skipper has not been in the best of forms in limited overs cricket and had a pretty average Indian Premier League. He remains one of the best batsmen in the world for his technique and resilience and will play a crucial role in the no 3 sport for the Black Caps.
Martin Guptill: Veteran opener Martin Guptill was in great form in the 2015 World Cup and was part of the golden generation of Kiwi players. He still has a lot of cricket left in him and could counter the new ball with his stroke play.
Colin Munro: He did not get many opportunities in the IPL but remains a key member of the New Zealand squad. Apart from his batting, he is also a decent part-time bowler who can chip in with wickets.
Ross Taylor: The right-handed middle-order batsman has been with the Kiwi squad for quite some time now and his role throughout the World Cup will be crucial. Whenever the going gets tough, Taylor bails Kiwi out of trouble as seen in the past. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Other Key Players in the New Zealand Team for CWC.
Tom Latham: An injury has him on the sidelines for the warm-up games but the Kiwi wicketkeeper will be keen to bounce back when the main campaign starts. He is known for his maturity when pacing his innings.
Henry Nicholls: Henry Nicholls has a brilliant opportunity to take the pressure off Ross Taylor in the middle order as it is one area where New Zealand clearly lacks the edge. He has not been consistent in the opportunities he has got which is a cause of worry.
Colin De Grandhomme: The Kiwi all-rounder had a pretty average IPL but should get ample opportunities in the playing eleven. He is more of a bowling all-rounder who could benefit from the English conditions.
Tom Blundell: He will keep wickets in the warm-up games owing to Tom Latham’s injury and this surprising name in the Kiwi line-up would want to make use of every opportunity he gets.
Ish Sodhi: One of the frontline spinners in the team, Ish Sodhi is known for his variations and decent line and length. He will have to backup up his pacers by picking up wickets for his team in the middle overs. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Schedule in PDF: Ticket Prices, Dates, Venue Details & Timetable Available for Download Online.
Mitchell Santner: A fairly reliable batsman and a competitive spinner in ODI cricket, Santner may pip Ish Sodhi to the playing eleven if the Black Caps go with one spinner. He got limited opportunities with CSK in the IPL which means lack of competitive cricket going into the main tournament.
James Neesham: After finding himself out of the team for a while, James Neesham has come back in style with some good performances in domestic cricket. The all-rounder’s versatility makes him a good addition to the team.
Matt Henry: He will be more than a handful with his pace on the swinging English wickets and is part of the fierce Black Caps bowling unit. He has the experience to unsettle the best of the batsmen and the Kiwis will rely on him for the breakthroughs.
Tim Southee: He has lost a bit of pace but on his day can be a very destructive bowler. He may be the one to miss out with the emergence of Lockie Ferguson and the kind of impact he has had since his arrival on the big stage. Ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, Here’s a Look Back at How New Zealand Fared at the Last Edition of the CWC.
Trent Boult: The leader of the Kiwi pace battery, Trent Boult gets wickets almost every time his skipper demands of him. His swing and variations, particularly in the death overs, will have a bearing on New Zealand’s performance in England.
Lockie Ferguson: The right arm pacer is a potent force and his deadly yorkers make him an expert in terms of death bowling. He is part of a fast bowling unit that will have to shoulder the bulk of responsibility in picking wickets for the Black Caps.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 28, 2019 05:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).