ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Boost for New Zealand as opener returns to training

New Zealand wicket-keeper batsman is back in training after missing two pre-tournament warm-up matches against India and West Indies. Latham had been a doubt for his side’s opening game after breaking his finger during a warm-up game in Australia earlier this month.

“He’s probably slightly ahead of time,” said Gary Stead, the New Zealand head coach. “So far Tom’s reached all the milestones that we’ve wanted him to, and today was another step, taking balls with more heat on them and making him dive and jump around a wee bit more. It’s a bit bent from what happened, but he’s had no pain so far, which means the bone has knitted back well.”

Positive signs for incumbent keeper Tom Latham who was back fully training today – catching balls at full pace and batting in the nets. Fingers crossed for Saturday ? #CWC19  #BACKTHEBLACKCAPS pic.twitter.com/Df41bJ9Kn8

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) May 30, 2019

The wicketkeeper has constantly been under observation and his progress has been tracked. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead confirmed that signs were positive for Latham, but said they still need to monitor him in the coming days.

Blundell made an impact in warmup games

In case Latham needs more time with the nurse and more medical attention, then they will back Tom Blundell, who is yet to make his ODI debut. He played fantastic with the bat against West Indies in their second warm-up match.

“He played a fantastic inning. Even the way he went in Australia before we came over here, he’s certainly hitting the ball really well and the ball looks like it’s going into the gloves nicely. It’s a nice confidence boost for him to get some runs against a good West Indies attack and Australia as well,” said Latham speaking about Tom Blundell’s game.

Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 SWOT Analysis of 10 teams

New Zealand World Cup squad

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