NEWS
OPINION
GALLERY
STATISTICS
INTERVIEWS

Kiwis release World Cup squad

The New Zealand cricket board has named its 15 for the World Cup. The squad reads: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Matt Horne, Craig McMillan, Roger Twose, Chris Cairns, Adam Parore, Chris Harris, Dion Nash, Daniel Vettori, Matthew Hart, Simon Doull, Gavin Larsen, Carl Bulfin, Geoff Allott.

The lack of bench strength in Kiwi cricket was underlined by the inclusion of left arm spinner Mathew Hart, who has not played for the national side since 1996. Another surprise inclusion was Carl Bulfin, the fast bowler who, in course of the recent ODI series against South Africa, proved so expensive that he was not allowed to complete his full quota of overs in either of the two matches he played in.

Chairman of selectors Ross Dykes indicated that while Bulfin's performance did not match up to expectations, the selectors were backing his potential.

The squad, as released, has inherent problems. Chris Cairns is the name of one of them. Out for much of the summer with a hamstring problem, Cairns is crucial to the Kiwi balance, and at the time of writing this, it is not clear whether he will be back to full fitness in time for the World Cup.

Given the seam friendly conditions in England, the Kiwis -- like all other teams -- need a good opening pair. However, Bryan Young, who opened against the Proteas in the recent series, has been dropped from the squad, and it is a bit iffy just who will partner Stephen Fleming at the top.

The bowling will depend heavily on dibbly-dobblers Chris Harris, Nathan Astle and Gavin Larsen. All three are adept at bowling a tight, restrictive line, yet none of the three qualify as wicket-taking, penetrative bowlers. Geoff Arlott and Simon Doull have both been off form, Cairns remains a doubtful starter, and Bulfin is an unknown, untried entity. Daniel Vettori, the star spinner for the Kiwis, was ineffective against the Proteas in the recent series. And Hart, as pointed out earlier, is just returning from a long layoff, and thus his utility to the side will be a matter of speculation.

Agencies