World Cup 2019: New Zealand squad announced; rookie Blundell gets maiden call-up

New Zealand are the first team to name their 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

New Zealand announced their 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup on Wednesday. In a surprising move, the Black Caps have named rookie Tom Blundell as a back-up wicketkeeper in the side, lead by Kane Williamson. Coach Gary Stead said that the team had repeatedly excelled at the top level and he was confident the consistency would shine through at the tournament in England and Wales. “We've got a squad here of 15 players that we think can give us a really, really good chance of going far into the tournament,” he said. “If we play close to our potential, then hopefully we can do New Zealand proud.” Wellington keeper Blundell was selected after Tim Siefert, the regular back-up to first-choice gloveman Tom Latham, broke his finger in a domestic match last month. While Blundell, who has two Test caps, will likely make his one-day international debut at the tournament, his role will be marginal if Latham stays fit.

New Zealand are the first team to name their 15-man squad for #CWC19! 🇳🇿 Are they capable of lifting the World Cup this year? 🏆https://t.co/Z3DpGoG5Tp

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) April 3, 2019

New Zealand: 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. The Black Caps hope to shed their tag as valiant losers and claim the title after exiting in the semi-finals six times and suffering a heavy defeat to Australia in their only appearance in the final four years ago. The Black Caps will open their campaign against Sri Lanka in Cardiff on June 1.