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AUCKLAND: New Zealand have named their 15-player group for this year’s ICC Cricket World Cup scheduled to be played in India in October.
The families of New Zealand players have introduced the country’s squad. The Blackcaps posted a video on X featuring the families of the players announcing the inclusion of the players in the squad for the multilateral tournament.
New Zealand confirmed the group at Papatoetoe High School in Auckland on Monday, the alma mater of leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, who was named in the squad.
Kane Williamson will lead the team after recovering from the injury he sustained during a match in IPL 2023. Both Williamson and fast bowler Tim Southee have been named to appear at their fourth World Cup.
Mark Chapman has earned his spot following a strong run in form across the two white-ball formats, as well as 23-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder Rachin Ravindra.
Our 2023 @cricketworldcup squad introduced by their number 1 fans! #BACKTHEBLACKCAPS #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/e7rgAD21mH
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 11, 2023
New Zealand coach Gary Stead admits he faced some tough decisions when deciding on the final squad, but believes he has got the right mix of youth and experience to take to India.
“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,” Stead said.
“From Kane and Tim heading to their fourth tournament to the guys selected for the first time it’s always a very exciting time.”
“As with any squad named for an ICC tournament, there have been some tough calls and there will be some disappointed players. 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.”
The side meet England and Bangladesh in ODIs before taking on England again in a rematch of the 2019 Final in the World Cup opener on 5 October.
New Zealand squad
Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young
