ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Strongest New Zealand Playing XI

Wicket Keeper and All Rounder- Tom Latham and Jimmy Neesham

Tom Latham

Tom Latham replaced Tim Seifert in New Zealand's playing XI against India and his selection raised many questions as to why he wasn't picked earlier. Tim Seifert, his predecessor had a paltry time behind the stumps and was not impressive with the bat either.

Latham, despite being more of a reserve wicketkeeper has enough skills and experience to manage the glove work and on top of that, he is an excellent batsman. He has a good ODI record but was kept out of the ODI side for a fair amount of time. The way he batted when he carried the bat with a score of 264 against Sri Lanka is a testimony to his solidity.

Jimmy Neesham's return to the ODI side wasn't good news for Sri Lanka as he smashed 5 sixes in an over en-route to a 13-ball 47. He was good with the ball too and carried this form until the end of the series and made the New Zealand side look even stronger.

He, unfortunately, contracted a hamstring injury which ruled him out of the T20 against Sri Lanka and the first 3 ODIs against India.

He is expected to make a return to the ODI side and if he does, New Zealand must go with him as this extends the batting line-up without robbing it of bowling options.