New Zealand name Uncapped Blundell in World Cup squad

Wellington: Uncapped wicketkeeper Tom Blundell and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi have been picked in a strong New Zealand squad for this year's Cricket World Cup.

Blundell, 28, is yet to play a one-day international, but was named in the 15-man party for the tournament, which will be held in England and Wales from May to mid-July.

Tom Latham will continue as first-choice keeper in what is an experienced squad boasting more than 1,000 ODI appearances.

Ross Taylor is set for his fourth World Cup, while captain Kane Williamson, paceman Tim Southee and batsman Martin Guptill will play their third.

The pace attack constitutes Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry, with there being a fight for a third seamer role between Southee and Henry in the playing XI.

The selectors have also kept their faith in an out-of-form Colin Munro, who makes it to the side despite not so impressive ODI numbers. He is expected to play a back-up role to the other batters.

New Zealand's World Cup squad:
Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

Ahead of the World Cup starting May 30, the New Zealand squad will prepare in three two-day training camps in Christchurch in April before heading to Australia for a three-match unofficial 50-over series. However, players who are with their respective sides in the IPL are unlikely to join the squad.

The Black Caps begin their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka in Cardiff on June 1.