WATCH: New Zealand unveil ODI World Cup squad in creative way, Kane Williamson returns as captain

New Zealand Cricket Board has announced their squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 which is set to be played in India from October 5. The fans were delighted after the announcement as Blackcaps’ star batter Kane Williamson is back in the squad and will also be leading the side.

The team was revealed in a very creative way on social media, with the children, partners and parents of the individual players releasing their names along with their New Zealand cap number and relationship to the player. Fans of the touching video praised it as “incredible” and “most creative” on social media, where it quickly gained a large following.

Watch the video here:

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Williamson is still healing from his knee injury, but the Kiwi think tank is still optimistic that he will be ready for the World Cup by then. Williamson will be assisted by Tom Latham, his deputy, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, and Mark Chapman at the plate. Jimmy Neesham, a seamer, and spinners Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra are all-rounders.

Along with Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner is anticipated to be the spin attack’s leader. Even without Adam Milne, who is out with a hamstring injury, the pace attack of Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and Lockie Ferguson appears menacing.

The opening match of the tournament will be played between the defending champions England and runner-up New Zealand on October 5 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The Kiwis will try to avenge their 2019 ODI World Cup final loss and start their tournament’s journey with a win.

New Zealand squad for ODI World Cup 2023: Kane Williamson (captain), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.