New Zealand ICC World Cup 2023 Squad: Blackcaps Announce Their 15 In Unique Fashion As Family Members Introduce The Team

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New Zealand on Monday (September 11) announced their 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup 2023 in a unique way as family members - the wives and kids of the cricketers named the team for the show-piece tournament set to take place in India.

The Blackcaps confirmed the group at Papatoetoe High School in Auckland, the alma mater of leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, who was named in the squad that is led by Kane Williamson. The squad was announced with a video shared on social media.

The video features the family members of the cricketers announcing the 15, who have earned the ticket to India for the show-piece event, which starts on October 5. Apart from Williamson, who returns from injury, the Kiwis have opted for experience.

Williamson, who was confirmed as a squad member this week after making a quicker-than-expected recovery from a ruptured ACL at the 2023 IPL. Both Williamson and fast bowler Tim Southee have been named to appear at their fourth World Cup.

Following a strong run in form across the two white-ball formats, Mark Chapman has earned his spot, as well as 23-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who claimed 3/48 against England in the first of four ODIs last week.

There was no room in the group for young top order batter Finn Allen, nor back-up wicket-keeper Tim Seifert, with the Black Caps opting for Tom Latham as the sole wicketkeeper in the squad. Adam Milne, who recently picked up a hamstring injury on New Zealand's tour of England, has also missed out.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead admitted he faced some tough decisions when deciding on the final squad, but believes he has got the right mix of youth and experience to take to India.

"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 honour 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."

The Blackcaps will open their 2023 World Cup campaign in a rematch from 2019 final against England on October 5 in the tournament opener in Ahmedabad. But before that, New Zealand will face England in two more ODIs followed by a series in Bangladesh and the warm up matches.

New Zealand World Cup 2023 Squad

Kane Williamson (captain), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.