BLACKCAPS World Cup Squad?
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Like skimming stones on a lake, picking a squad for a World Cup is futile. But it’s also a lot of fun.
So here we go; a stab at the likely 15 to be selected for the 2023 men’s 50 over ICC World Cup in India with a few caveats chucked in there
Devon Conway
Will Young seems to have the edge on Nicholls as top order cover. Blundell might have been the other option, and the thought of Conway is keeping cover in India is a bit risky, but he has not been given a run.
Kane Williamson Probably
Darryl Mitchell At a pinch another top order cover option.
Glenn Phillips
Tom Latham
Mark Chapman He’s had a good 2023 without totally dominating. In some ways Michael Bracewell’s absence helps his cause in terms of finishing power. Just edges Neesham.
Mitch Santner
Ish Sodhi The fact the announcement is being made at his old school, and that he will be in attendance is a hint.
Rachin Ravindra Michael Bracewell’s injury has been his friend, and has made the most of his meagre chances. They are likely to want to play three spinners in some games and he is a better bowling option than Chapman who they seem wary of throwing the ball to.
Tim Southee
Trent Boult
Matt Henry
Lockie Ferguson They will want that point of difference in the bowling attack. Ferguson appears to be ahead of Milne in the pecking order and Jamieson’s return from injury has come too late for him to rise back up the ranks.
So that’s 14 probables, and then it gets tricky. If they decide to take a fifth quick that is likely to be Jamieson, with Milne’s ongoing fitness issues counting against him.
Neesham would be a possibility given his experience and versatility, but his effectiveness as a bowler in Indian conditions would be an issue.
The other possibility would be top order cover, especially with the still being uncertainty as to when Williamson will return. The two likely candidate would be Finn Allen and Tim Siefert. They have invested a lot in Allen but his best format is still in T20s. Siefert has had a good 2023, and does provide decent keeping cover.
The conjecture ends tomorrow morning.