Kane Williamson and Tim Southee were included on Monday in an experienced New Zealand squad for next month’s 50-overs World Cup in India. Williamson will captain the Black Caps despite still working his way back to fitness after a serious knee injury last April.
The 33-year-old led New Zealand in their nail-biting defeat by England in the 2019 World Cup final and was named player of the tournament. Williamson’s return to the crease will boost the Black Caps as he has scored more than 6,500 runs in One-day International cricket.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead said it is unclear whether Williamson will be ready in time for their opening World Cup game against England on October 5 in Ahmedabad. “We haven’t put a date on whether he will be available for that first game or not,” Stead said. “That’s still three or four weeks away and time will tell a little bit closer, but he is doing everything in his powers to make that happen.”
Southee, New Zealand’s Test match captain, leads a powerful bowling line-up alongside Trent Boult. All rounder James Neesham, who came within a whisker of glory for New Zealand when the 2019 World Cup final was settled by a Super Over, also makes it to the 15-man side. Only six of the squad will be playing at their first ODI World Cup, while this will be their fourth for both Southee and Williamson.
Squad: Kane Williamson (capt), 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.
