Of course New Zealand’s prospects would have been far healthier had Brendon McCullum been their captain for one last major tournament fling. It is not to be but that does not mean anyone will take the Black Caps lightly. Nobody ever does.
Kane Williamson may not be as explosive a batsman or quite as attacking a captain, but he is a very, very able replacement. His runs will be absolutely key, in particular the calm manner in which he collects them. That should allow the more explosive men around him – Martin Guptill above and Corey Anderson below — to do their thing.
Trent Boult’s IPL experiences and success means that New Zealand’s pace bowling is better equipped for Indian conditions than it has been in the past. That pace component is geared completely towards attack and their ability to keep picking up wickets will be key to their progress.
Group 2
Coach: Mike Hesson
Tournament best: Semi-finals in 2007
Match-winner: Corey Anderson
• It is not in the nature of a New Zealand line-up to have out-and-out match-winners but this side could pull out a few. Martin Guptill is going to shape at least a couple of matches at the top, but Corey Anderson is the one to look out for. He is a ferocious hitter as it is, but his bowling, on slow pitches, could also unlock an order or two.
New face: Mitchell Santner
• Daniel Vettori cannot be an easy act to follow and yet that is what Mitchell Santner must do. He looks equally boyish and bowls and bats in the same genre. He can spin the ball, which will help in India, and he can hit some long drives too, which will also help.
Key match: New Zealand v Australia, Dharamshala, March 18.
Predicted finish: Semi-finals
Squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Martin Guptill, Grant Elliott, Colin Munro, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor
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