Kiwis name squad for Brisbane one-dayers

Blackcaps opening batsman Tom Latham will lead a 13-man squad to Brisbane next month for a three-match World Cup warm-up series between a New Zealand XI and an Australian XI.

The Kiwis, who announced their World Cup squad last week, will be without nine members of that group due to Indian Premier League commitments, while Ross Taylor will be on county duties with Middlesex.

Australia meanwhile, are expected to have their entire World Cup squad present – barring injuries – for the unofficial 50-over clashes, to be played on May 6, 8 and 10 at Allan Border Field.

As such, it is likely that the matches will mark a return to Australian colours for former leadership duo Steve Smith and David Warner, who have not played for their country since the Cape Town scandal in March 2018.

Latham is joined in the Blackcaps squad by fellow World Cup selections Henry Nicholls, Matt Henry, Jimmy Neesham and Tom Blundell.

"It's an exciting challenge ahead of this group who I know will relish the chance to take on the Australians at home," said New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said.

"The matches will be a stern test and provide quality preparation for those players bound for England and a great opportunity for the rest of the squad to show their wares.

"Every player in the squad, apart from Will Young, has played for the Blackcaps and we're backing them to give a good account of themselves."

Injured trio Tim Seifert, Adam Milne and Corey Anderson were not considered for selection.

Australia are set to announce their World Cup squad, together with their 2019-20 contract list and the Australia A squad for the upcoming UK tour, on Monday.

New Zealand XI squad: Tom Latham (c), Todd Astle, Hamish Bennett, Tom Blundell (wk), Doug Bracewell, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Hamish Rutherford, Blair Tickner, George Worker, Will Young.

Australia's World Cup fixtures

May 25: (warm-up) England v Australia, Southampton

May 27: (warm-up) Australia v Sri Lanka, Southampton

June 1: Afghanistan v Australia, Bristol (D/N)

June 6: Australia v West Indies, Trent Bridge

June 9: India v Australia, The Oval

June 12: Australia v Pakistan, Taunton

June 15: Sri Lanka v Australia, The Oval

June 20: Australia v Bangladesh, Trent Bridge

June 25: England v Australia, Lord's

June 29: New Zealand v Australia, Lord's (D/N)

July 6: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford (D/N)

July 9: Semi-Final 1, Old Trafford

July 11: Semi-Final 2, Edgbaston

July 14: Final, Lord's

For a full list of all World Cup fixtures, click HERE