Meet Tom Blundell, New Zealand's surprise back up wicket-keeper for ICC 2019 World Cup
New Zealand Cricket announced their 2019 World Cup squad which consisted of many familiar faces, 14 out of 15 to be precise, but that one player who has not yet played an ODI for the Kiwis and is in the World Cup squad, is Tom Blundell.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Blundell is the only surprise in New Zealand's squad for the ICC World Cup which was announced on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old, who represents the Wellington team, has played two Tests and three T20Is for New Zealand. However, he is uncapped in the one-day format. He did receive an ODI call-up against Australia, but missed out.
"He (coach Gary Stead called and) said 'congratulations, you've made the team' and it was a pretty special moment...I've played two Tests and three T20s and had a taste of international cricket. It's not a biggie. If I do get the chance, I'll enjoy the moment and, hopefully, it goes well," ICC quoted Blundell, as saying.
Blundell made his international debut in a T20I against Bangladesh in January 2017. He got ODI call-up against Australia but did not get a chance to play. He then went onto register an unbeaten 107 on Test debut against West Indies.
Blundell was also part of New Zealand squad for the Under-19 World Cup 2010. He played one match alongside Jimmy Neesham and Tom Latham, who have also been named in the 15-man squad for the tournament.
Although Tom Latham will continue to be the first choice for wicketkeeper, Blundell has been named as the back-up keeper as Tim Seifert, who is usually the back-up, has been ruled out due to a finger injury. Blundell, who made his first-class debut in 2013, has six hundreds with an average of 37.74 in 51 matches.
(With ANI Inputs)
