ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Strongest New Zealand Playing XI

Spinner- Mitchell Santner

Mitchell Santner

Mitchell Santner should be New Zealand's first choice spinner and Ish Sodhi must be used only if needed desperately. This is because the surfaces in England suit finger spinners more and the ball won't turn much for Sodhi. The added fact that Santner is a very capable batsman further weakens Sodhi's case for selection.

Santner's addition provides more than enough batting depth to the side and allows them to accommodate their star pace bowling trio. Santner can rescue them out of tough situations with the bat and can even score valuable runs in the death while picking up a couple of wickets bowling very economically. He can bat deep and bowls well enough to be the complete package and he will be New Zealand's X-Factor in the World Cup.

---

Pacers- Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, and Trent Boult

Lockie Ferguson along with Tim Southee

The New Zealand pace trio has tasted enormous success ever since they got together. Lockie Ferguson has been a real menace and has really troubled the batsman with his express pace. On England surfaces, his pace can do wonders for the side.

As for the other two, not much is left to say. Tim Southee and Trent Boult were of paramount importance to their performance in the last World Cup and this time around, they have become even more important.

They have formed a lethal partnership and Southee swings it around a lot with the new ball, something which the conditions will favor. Boult, on the other hand picks a line on the stumps and sticks to it but suddenly brings one back in or sends one out and this catches the batsman napping.

Both of them will be instrumental to their success and all in all, New Zealand has a very talented and balanced side which has what it takes to lift the World Cup.