NZ World Cup 2019 squad announced, uncapped Tom Blundell included

New Zealand have announced their squad for the ICC World Cup 2019 and have included uncapped Tom Blundell in the team. The selectors have shown faith in Colin Munro, Matt Henry and Ish Sodhi as well.

New Zealand first team to declare World Cup squad

New Zealand became the first team to declare their squad for the iconic tournament to be played between 30 May to 14 July. Coach Gary Stead stated that the World Cup is the pinnacle of cricket and to be the first nation to name a squad for the tournament is really exciting.

“I’d like to congratulate all the players selected. To represent your country at a World Cup is a huge honour."

? READ all of coach Gary Stead's comments on the @cricketworldcup squad here ➡️ https://t.co/H7SWl2ESSq pic.twitter.com/AkvwgwWTJy

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) April 2, 2019

He said that he would like to congratulate all the players selected. He feels that to represent your country at a World Cup is a huge honour and he knows the entire squad and support staff are looking forward to the challenges ahead.

Sodhi second spinner, Blundell reserve wicket-keeper 

New Zealand have offered Colin Munro a place despite his erratic form. The aggressive opener can be a lethal weapon on the flat English wickets however he may wait for his chances as Henry Nicholls and Martin Guptill have done well as a pair.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvxsj5zgnwd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Meanwhile the selectors have looked at Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson as the third pace bowling option. Mitchell Santner will lead the spin department and will have Ish Sodhi as his deputy.

Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme are the all-rounders in the squad and the slot for the reserve wicket-keeper is grabbed by Tom Blundell who is yet to play any ODI cricket.

Don’t forget to check the MI vs CSK IPL 2019 preview.

The batting department is spearheaded by skipper Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham and Martin Guptill. As expected Trent Boult and Tim Southee will handle the pace artilery.

With Southee out of form in the recent times, it will be interesting to see whether the team management keeps belief in his experience and potential or choose other paceman.

Also read how Buttler and Gopal ket RCB winless in IPL 2019 here.

New Zealand squad for ICC World Cup 2019:

Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Tom Blundell, Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult