Allrounder Jimmy Neesham, who played a key role in the thrilling final of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, has been included in New Zealand’s 15-man squad for this year’s tournament in India.
Neesham was chosen to bat for New Zealand in the Super Over which was required to decide the winner of the last World Cup final against England at Lord’s. The teams still were tied after the Super Over and England took the world title on a countback of boundaries.
Neesham and fast bowler Trent Boult, who also played in that match, both were included Monday in the New Zealand squad despite not being on list of centrally contracted players.
Kane Williamson will captain the New Zealand team, though he is still recovering from the serious knee injury he sustained during the Indian Premier League in April. It is not yet known when Williamson will be fit to play.
The squad was announced in the most unique manner on social media with kids and partners of respective players announcing their name by mentioning their New Zealand cap number followed by their relation with the player. The heartwarming video instantly went viral on social media with fans calling it “incredible” and “most creative”.
Williamson and fast bowler Tim Southee have been selected for their fourth World Cups. Spin bowling allrounder Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and Will Young will be playing at a 50-overs World Cup for the first time.
Boult, Matt Henry and vice-captain Tom Latham will be playing at their third World Cups.
“From Kane and Tim heading to their fourth tournament to the guys selected for the first time it’s always a very exciting time,” head coach Gary Stead said. “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.”
New Zealand will play Pakistan in a warm-up match at Hyderabad on Sept. 29 ahead of the tournament start on Oct. 5.
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), 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.
