We have a 15 man squadron ready for action, ready for World Cup domination or at least doing better than we have in recent times. I'd keep that in mind, usually we're pretty crap at these World Cup things, so while we all want the Black Caps to win the thing, they'll put a smile on many faces by simply competing hard and going deep in to the tournament. Oh yeah, the squadron...

The most contentious selection appears to be leaving out Jimmy Neesham for the veteran Grant Elliot which I think is being overstated quite a bit because for mine Elliot will just be a squad member, a job do-er. That I think impacted the selectors decision making (as well as Elliot apparently being a gun in Austraya and Aotearoa) because Elliot will be relied on to simply do a job if he is called upon. He's a stable, experienced lad who will likely carry the drinks but he will be more than ready when selected to play. 

Neesham has been given many opportunities to show that he simply can't be left out but he never really took them. In 16 games, Neesham has scored 146 runs with a top score of 42* and an average of 14.60 with the bat. He's also taken 18 wickets, but 8 of those came in two games against Bangladesh in Bangladesh. I'm not saying that Elliot was a certain selection over Neesham because Elliot is better, but Neesham was given a chance and wasn't able to build a strong case whether it was in the middle order or opening the innings - remember Mike Hesson gave him multiple opportunities in a variety of positions. I reckon that Coach Hesson and the skipper gave Neesham many a chance because they knew that there was an option like Elliot there, just in case.

The way the squad has been selected, Elliot needs to provide batting cover for the whole batting line up. Elliot is the only batting cover there, which I think added to his case as he's shown the ability to bat in any scenario.

The other notable thingy's were Matt Henry being left out for Kyle Mills, which while Henry has built a much more compelling case than Neesham, it's a similar situation. They know what Mills can do with the white ball and they've taken the safe option for a squad member, a SQUAD MEMBER, someone who will play sporadically and need to be relied on. 

While Elliot is the batting cover, Mills will be the last cab of the rank for the bowlers as he's behind Mitch McClenaghan who is then behind Adam Milne (maybe), Trent Boult and Tim Southee. 

I have no idea who will be preferred as the spinner with Nathan McCullum and Daniel Vettori pretty much equal. I'm leaning towards Vettori getting the starting spot for much of the tournament, but they can roll these two to keep them fresh.

I'm picking Tom Latham to open the innings with Martin Guptill but wouldn't mind seeing something funky like Kane Williamson or Brendon McCullum opening etc. But stock standard is Latham and Guppy. Latham can also do a job in the middle order so there's plenty of options.

I would listen to your argument for the best finishers of an innings at the World Cup, but I would back B-Mac, Luke Ronchi and Corey Anderson all the way home. They can all bat properly to get an innings back on track and can all hit from ball one, boom.

One of the least talked about selections is Trent Boult. Now, like 6 months ago many people whether they be former cricketers or silly media, questioned whether Boult could perform in limited overs cricket. Some wouldn't have even considered him for the World Cup squad, but he's much like Kane Williamson in that quality allows you to perform in all formats. For mine, Big Mitch could be a bit unlucky as Boult has continued to improve and will probably keep Mitch out of the starting 11. 

Southee and Boult can trouble the best batsmen in the world with their seam and swing in OUR conditions, Milne is a strike weapon but has shown great control recently as well and Mitch will be equally important as he will be called upon regularly. You need depth in tournaments and we've got it.

Besides the depth, the most striking aspect for me about the squad is how flexible it is. The Black Caps can slightly alter their line up to match any opponent or to attack any opponent's weakness. Don't be surprised to see both McCullum and Vettori play alongside each other for example when the right opportunity presents itself. Here's my starting 11

• Martin Guptill
• Tom Latham
• Kane Williamson
• Ross Taylor
• Brendon McCullum
• Luke Ronchi
• Corey Anderson
• Daniel Vettori
• Tim Southee
• Trent Boult
• Adam Milne

Honestly, I can't remember the naming of a World Cup squad being such a big deal. That along with the fact that some very talented young cricketers missed out just shows where cricket in Aotearoa is at. There's no point discussing who should or shouldn't have been selected now, the squadron has been named and it's time to just get in behind the boys and support them the whole way.