New Zealand Squad For ICC World Cup 2023: Kane Williamson's Fate Sealed As Black Caps Announce Final Squad

New Zealand Cricket (NZC), on Monday (September 11), announced the New Zealand squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. The Black Caps have named a 15-men squad as they look to win their first-ever ODI World Cup this year.

The highlight of the squad is definitely the inclusion of Kane Williamson. The star batter’s participation in the ODI World Cup was in doubt following the serious knee injury he sustained while fielding in his team’s first IPL game this year. Scans revealed that it was a serious ACL injury and not many were expecting the batsman to return in time for the marquee event.

However, Williamson has made an impressive return from the injury and is now all set to play his fourth ODI World Cup. Apart from Williamson, Trent Boult and James Neesham have also been named in the squad despite being without a central contract. Neesham got the nod due to the absence of allrounder Michael Bracewell who is sidelined with a right Achilles injury.

New Zealand squad for ICC Men’s World Cup 2023:

While Williamson, Boult, and Neesham have made the cut for the New Zealand squad, the likes of Finn Allen, Kyle Jamieson, and Adam Milne have missed out. Will Young has got the nod ahead of Allen.

“We felt that Youngy was the right guy to go with,” head coach Gary Stead was quoted as saying. “We just felt that we looked through what the potential gameplan was looking like in India, looked at the grounds, and also looked at the form of the two players as well.”

The pace department boasts the likes of Boult, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, and Matt Henry. Allrounders Daryl Mitchell and Neesham are also pace bowling options for the Black Caps. Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner will lead the spin department.

“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 honor 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,” he added.

Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips will play in the ODI World Cup for the first time. They have already played in the T20 World Cup in the past. On the other hand, Rachin Ravindra and Young have got the call-ups for a senior World Cup for the first time.

Williamson will lead the team in the tournament. New Zealand finished as runner-up in the last two editions of the ODI World Cup and will be desperate to go all the way this year.

New Zealand squad for ICC World Cup 2023: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