5 New Zealand players to watch out for in the 2015 World Cup

New Zealand’s romance with World Cup semifinals has continued ever since the inaugural edition in 1975. An impressive 6 semifinal appearances in 10 World Cup editions makes for a good reading. But, unfortunately, a semifinal appearance has been the best result that they have been able to achieve in all these years. For a young team peaking just before its home World Cup, this could be the best chance in years to go a couple of steps further and lay hands on the coveted trophy.A comprehensive 4-0 series win against India at home and a strong 3-2 victory against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reaffirmed New Zealand’s current standing in world cricket. With the 2015 edition being seen as an evenly-matched edition with no clear favourites, the Kiwis’ chances would be dependent on how their key players perform.Let us have a look at five players who could help NZ create history:

#5 Trent Boult

The mainstay of Kiwis’ bowling attack, Trent Boult, forms a lethal new ball combination with Tim Southee. The year 2014 saw the duo complementing each other in Tests, proving to be a big catalyst in New Zealand's turnaround in Test cricket. With not much to show for in his ODI career, having taken just 10 wickets from 12 games, Boult will look to make use of the Sri Lanka series to get some confidence under his belt before the World Cup.

On a day when conditions support swing, Boult can prove to be a real handful against right-handed batsmen with his pretty special ability to get the ball back in. The New Zealand selectors, perhaps, gambled by picking Boult ahead of the in-form Matt Henry, but if it pays off, the NZ bowling attack will be a genuine force during the quadrennial event.

#4 Corey Anderson

With James Neesham left out of New Zealand’s 15-man squad, Corey Anderson will have a huge role to play as the primary all-rounder duty for the Kiwis. If form is anything to go by, 2014 wasn’t a very cheerful year for Anderson. A sole peak was the record-breaking 131 on new year’s day against West Indies in Queenstown that surpassed a 17-year-old world record for the fastest hundred in ODI cricket.

But that innings sums up the damage he can do when at his absolute best. He backs up this devil-may-care attitude by playing the role of the supporting seam bowler in the side. He registered his career-best 5/63 against the touring Indians not too long ago and emerged as the second highest wicket-taker in 2014 for New Zealand after the excluded Matt Henry.

#3 Brendon McCullum

When it comes to 5 New Zealand players to watch out for, how can you possibly ignore Brendon McCullum? Given the stupendous form the skipper has been in over the last 12 months across all formats, a lot will be riding on his shoulders as he attempts to march his team towards the coveted trophy. Encouragingly, his belief in the side’s ability is very high, reflected in his statement after the squad announcement, describing the squad as the strongest New Zealand World Cup line-up he has been associated with.

As one of the two openers, the onus will be on McCullum to set the tone for New Zealand’s innings and take the attack to the opposition bowlers. If the 33-year-old can succeed in making use of the power play overs and getting the team off to good starts in the process, New Zealand will surely go a long way towards ensuring their first ever victory in World Cups.

#2 Mitchell McClenaghan

In an excellent start to his career, left-arm seamer Mitchell McClenaghan has a developed a knack of picking up wickets consistently at crucial junctures for his side. He reached the landmark of 50 ODI wickets in only 23 appearances, thereby becoming the second fastest to 50 wickets along with Ajit Agarkar, only behind Ajantha Mendis.

In his brief career, he has taken a 4-wicket haul against India, South Africa and Sri Lanka and a 5-wicket haul against the West Indies. Going into the World Cup, he has encouragingly shown good form for his domestic side, Auckland, in the Ford Trophy, and his street-smart death bowling will add another dimension to what is a promising New Zealand attack consisting of the likes of Tim Southee, Trent Bould and Adam Milne.

#1 Kane Williamson

Still only 24 years old, Kane Williamson’s elegant strokeplay has consistently brought him runs across all formats of the game. In 2014, he scored heavily in ODI cricket with 770 runs at a staggering average of 70. He was the highest run-scorer in the series wins against India and Pakistan. At No.3, he forms the lynchpin of New Zealand’s batting along with the seasoned campaigner Ross Taylor. Besides his batting touch, he would also be carrying the confidence of leading his side to a series win in the 5^th ODI at Abu Dhabi, having scored a brilliant 97 as skipper.

An injury scare at the start of the ongoing Sri Lanka series might be worrying the Black Caps, but it could just be a blessing in disguise as it allows him to get a break before the all-important tournament begins. With Brendon McCullum recently touting Williamson as the one who could end up as the greatest ever batsman for New Zealand, a good World Cup would only add another feather to his cap.