Boult’s previous ODIs came in March 2021 – they have been a scarce format for New Zealand until recently which has left them a lot of catch-up series to play over the next few months – but for some, it’s even longer since an appearance in the format.
“Sears [has] that bit of extra pace which is always nice to have in your side. Finn who has done really well in the Super Smash and over in Europe he played really well,” Latham said. “Both those guys are youthful and play an exciting brand of cricket.”
With spin expected to play a significant part, there may only be room for two frontline quicks in New Zealand’s XI.
“It will be interesting to see what the surfaces are like,” Latham said. “Looking at some of the scores in recent times here in one-day cricket they do vary a little bit so sure spin will play a part but we also have a bit of pace in our squad as well.”
Having played just three of their World Cup Super League series, New Zealand have more ODI cricket than most between now and next March. After this series they head to Cairns in northern Australia in early September and after the T20 World Cup host India before heading to Pakistan. They wrap up their home season against Sri Lanka.
“With the big picture of the World Cup not too far away so for us it’s about getting used to different conditions,” Latham said. “Somewhere here like West Indies, it might be similar to what we are faced with in India.
“Any time you get the opportunity to play on different surfaces to home it’s important you take all the learnings and try to adapt the best you can. That’s something our squad has done really well of late, we’ve played over in Europe and here with the T20s so it’s all about trying to adapt as quickly as you can.”
New Zealand ODI squad Kane Williamson, Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee