Cricket: World Cup 15 virtually pick themselves

Tom Latham can play two parts - as opening backup and Luke Ronchi's wicketkeeping standby. Photo / NZME.

Don't expect any jaw-dropping "they picked who?" moments when New Zealand's World Cup 15 is named late on Thursday afternoon.

For some time, the selectors, Bruce Edgar and coach Mike Hesson have made the point that they had 12 or 13 places locked down. There was little wriggle room.

For example, the two specialist spinners, Nathan McCullum and Dan Vettori, pick themselves, with Kane Williamson and his remodelled action as support.

Corey Anderson and Jimmy Neesham are seam support and middle to lower order hitters.

Captain Brendon McCullum has acknowledged he will move back to the top of the order alongside Martin Guptill, with whom he has good numbers as an opening pair.

Tom Latham offers two parts - opening backup and Luke Ronchi's wicketkeeping standby.

BJ Watling will be in the group of reserve players.

Six fast bowlers have long been in contention for no more than five spots.

Provided Kyle Mills proves his fitness in good time after a groin niggle, which he's expected to, he will be in as the country's most successful 50-over performer.

Speedster Adam Milne should also be in there for the variety he offers of straight-out pace.

The unlucky one is likely to be Matt Henry, for all his success in the five games against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, where he was comfortably top wicket-taker.

He's had a couple of 'mares for Canterbury in the Ford Trophy in the last week - 8-0-70-2 against Auckland, and 8-0-88-0 against Central Districts.

Timing can be everything. Contrast Henry's fortunes with those of Wellington veteran Grant Elliott, the quiet tip if there is to be a bolter.

He's been making rapid middle-order runs at just the right time as well as producing handy medium-pace overs.

But he's not been in the ODI tent for 14 months.

Dean Brownlie and Anton Devcich both had chances in the UAE at the top of the order, but neither grasped them.

Probable squad
Brendon McCullum (c), Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson, Jimmy Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Nathan McCullum, Dan Vettori, Tim Southee, Kyle Mills, Trent Boult, Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan.