New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Monday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, which will be played in India from October 5 to November 19.
The Black Caps will be led by Kane Williamson, as announced last week despite still recovering from a serious knee injury. However, he is in a race to be fit in time to participate in New Zealand’s opening match.
The star batter has been sidelined since April after surgery to repair torn ligaments in his right knee suffered while playing for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League.
Wicketkeeper batter Tom Latham, who is currently leading New Zealand, will serve as Williamson’s deputy. He holds the record for the joint most dismissals (21) by a wicketkeeper in a single edition of the World Cup.
Pace bowlers Tim Southee and Kane Williamson will be playing their fourth ODI World Cup, having featured in 2011, 2015 and 2019 editions.
Our 15 for the @cricketworldcup in India! More | https://t.co/D2jqxQxWeE #BACKTHEBLACKCAPS pic.twitter.com/wIlzA5N3qU
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 10, 2023
BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead said it was an exciting day for all involved whether it was your first or fourth tournament.
“It’s always a special time to name a tournament team and I’d like to congratulate the 15 players selected today. It’s a great honour to represent your country at a World Cup.
“From Kane [Williamson] and Tim [Southee] heading to their fourth tournament to the guys selected for the first time, it’s always a very exciting time.”
The New Zealand squad features six players making their World Cup debut in India.
“As with any squad named for an ICC tournament, there have been some tough calls and there will be some disappointed players,” 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 tournament.”
New Zealand is set to play defending champions England in the World Cup opener on October 5 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
New Zealand World Cup 2023 squad
Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young
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