World Cup 2019, England v New Zealand: 4 New Zealand Players to watch out for

New Zealand meet hosts England at the prestigious Lord’s stadium in London as part of the World Cup 2019 summit clash.on 14th July 2019. For New Zealand, this encounter will hand them an opportunity to clinch their first-ever World Cup title, having failed to get across the line during the 2015 World Cup.

However, England, coming into the tournament were the firm favorites to win the title and will have the backing of a vociferous home crowd that could play to their strengths. Having landed a spot in the finals of the competition for the first time since 1992, England will be gunning to claim the silverware.

As we build-up to the exciting summit clash, here are four New Zealand players to watch out for from this encounter.

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#4 James Neesham

Neesham's all-round ability will be key for NZ

James Neesham is a genuine all-rounder and has contributed heavily to New Zealand’s cause in this edition. Neesham has 11 wickets in this tournament and has also scored 201 runs from six innings.

This also includes a 97* against Pakistan, his best knock in this World Cup while his bowling figures of 5/31 against Afghanistan, 2/28 against Australia, 2/41 against England made a massive impact on the outcome of the game.

One of Neesham's biggest positives is hit ability to hit the deck hard and swing the ball. He will be critical to New Zealand’s success as a first change bowler while his batting prowess in the middle order provides the team with the cushion of an extra batsman.

#3 Trent Boult

Trent Boult was in fine form against India

Trent Boult is a stylish left-arm fast bowler who is known for his ability to strike with the ball in hand during crucnh situations. One of the best exponents of the swinging ball, he was the joint leading wicket-taker for New Zealand in the World Cup 2015 with 22 wickets.

The leader of New Zealand's bowling attack in this World Cup, he already has 17 wickets to his credit. His standout performances were 4/30 against West Indies and 4/51 against Australia while his bowling figures of 2/42 against India in the semi-finals was a key performance as he removed the dangerous Virat Kohli and later on, an ominous looking Ravindra Jadeja.

Boult can swing the ball both ways and can consistently bowl over 140 kph. Gifted with the talent of troubling the best of batsmen in the powerplay overs and death overs, his ability to send in searing yorkers with accuracy will be key against a high-flying England batting unit.

#2 Ross Taylor

India v New Zealand - ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Semi-Final

One of New Zealand's best ever middle order batsmen, Ross Taylor's ability to tackle both spin and pace with a fantastic technique makes him an imperative part of New Zealand's batting unit.

In the World Cup 2019, he has accumulated 335 runs in 8 matches at an average of 41.75. His form in this tournament has enable the Black Caps to come all the way to the finals and with scores of 30, 28 & 74 in his last three matches, he will hold the key in this crucial encounter.

With his 74 against India a testament of his quality and ability to patiently lead New Zealand to a big score, his scoring and form will be a major threat to the England bowling attack. Along with skipper Williamson, Taylor's wicket will be a major boost to the hosts.

#1 Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson's form will be crucial for New Zealand

The New Zealand captain is one of the most talented batsmen in the World. Kane Williamson has looked in a purple patch in this World Cup with 548 runs in 8 matches at a commendable average of 68.5 with two centuries, one against the West Indies and the other against South Africa.

In the semi-finals against India, he essayed a gritty knock of a 95-ball 67 which added stability to the New Zealand innings, with the Blacks Caps in a spot of bother at 69/2 in 18.2 overs.

With an ability to play out the best of bowling attacks with patience and assurance, Williamson's biggest positive is the value he gives to his wicket and spot in the team, which makes his skill unparalleled.

Additionally, his skill of churning out a long inning and shifting gears whenever necessary will certainly make him a major obstacle in England's charge of restricting the New Zealand batsmen.