New Zealand, on Wednesday, became the first team to announce the 15-man squad for the upcoming World Cup. The Black Caps have sprung a big surprise by picking up wicketkeeper Tom Blundell who is yet to play in One-Day Internationals. The 28-year old has so far played just two Tests and three T20Is for New Zealand. Blundll, who scored a century on his Test debut, will be backup to the incumbent Tom Latham.
Interestingly, Blundell has not even played for New Zealand since February last year. His last Test appearance came in 2017 while he played last of his three T20Is early last year. He did not even play a single game for Wellington in New Zealand’s domestic one-day competition this season.
With Blundell named in the team, Tim Seifert had to make way. Seifert was the preferred wicketkeeper in T20 internationals this season and made his ODI debut a couple of months agao against Sri Lanka. Moreover, Seifert had also impressed by playing knocks of 84 and 43 while opening against India in T20Is. Unfortunately, he broke his finger towards the end of the season.
Seifert was likely to recover before the start of the World Cup but there were some question marks over his work behind the stumps.
Head coach Gary Stead said he would prefer to select a specialist to back up Latham who took the role in the ODI side two years ago.
“As with any squad named for a major tournament, there’s had to be some tough calls and there will be some disappointed players,” Gary Stead said.
“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 World Cup. As a one-day unit we’ve been pretty consistent over the past few years and possess a very experienced group of core players, proven at the top level,” he added.
In another surprise call, New Zealand named spinner Ish Sodhi in the squad ahead of Todd Astle. Sodhi perhaps made the cut after taking 24 wickets at 21.17 in his final three first-class games in March.
On the other hand, opener Colin Munro also retained his place in the squad but is likely to remain a reserve opener. Henry Nicholls is likely to open the batting with Martin Guptill. James Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme were named as the all-rounders. The fast-bowling department consists of Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry.
New Zealand will open their campaign against Sri Lanka on June 1.
New Zealand Squad:
Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.