Most of Black Caps’ World Cup squad sorted

Blair Tickner celebrates during first ODI against Sri Lanka
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Black Caps coach Gary Stead says he has most of his World Cup squad already sorted but there is still an opportunity for players to stake a claim.

New Zealand has the current series against Sri Lanka and then a white ball tour of Pakistan next month before a winter break.

A white ball series in England in September will then be the last chance for players to impress the selectors before the ODI World Cup in India in October.

Saturday’s first ODI against Sri Lanka at Eden Park included debutante’s Chad Bowes and Rachin Ravindra, while Henry Shipley was playing just his fourth ODI.

With eight regulars away at the Indian Premier League, the selectors have cast their net wide for the Sri Lankan and Pakistan series’.

“We’ve probably got 80-85 percent got our side (for the World Cup) sorted in our minds, Stead said from Christchurch on the eve of the second match.

“The opportunity has come about because the IPL guys are away so it helps us build some depth and so these guys are getting opportunities that they might not have got, which is exciting for us.”

Stead says the team aspect is the most important thing and that players are playing for the team first and not looking for individuals to stake claims (for World Cup selection)

“We have about 35 cricketers that are available to play for New Zealand and that’s great for us.”

The players at the IPL are Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Glen Phillips. The non-contracted Trent Boult is also there and could possibly be considered for the World Cup.

One player that is probably shining bright on the radar is Canterbury pace bowler Henry Shipley who claimed career best figures of 5 for 31 in the first ODI against Sri Lanka last weekend.

Henry Shipley
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Shipley struggled in his first three ODI’s in Pakistan and India last year and Stead says his Eden Park outing will have helped him.

“I think it’s always easier to feel you belong when you’ve got a performance like that under your belt.

“Pakistan and India away, you don’t get tougher places than that in terms of debuts and starting your career.

“So coming back here in familiar conditions and conditions that probably do bounce a bit more and suit his style has been great for him.

“It’s been pleasing to see the growth that he’s probably taken from India and Pakistan through some tougher periods.

The second ODI at Hagley Oval starts at 2pm today.

Game three is in Hamilton on Friday.