CRICKET: My Black Caps World Cup XI

With a good win in the last ODI against Pakistan, our team finally resembled a line-up that made sense.  The dropping of a batter (How) to accommodate the inclusion of an extra bowler (Southee) worked in this case as not only did we bowl them out, but also reached our highest total of the series.  To gloat and say I was right having blogged about it the day before would be childish... I WAS RIGHT!!!.. Key to the victory was the dropping of Ryder down the order (something else that had been on my wagon).  The boy has done so well for us down the order, averaging so much more in Tests, its a surprise its taken so long for them to click to the fact now.  Would rather see him at 4 myself, but given Taylor is out of form and Ryder isn't makes it okay for now.

Our biggest talent.... get it?... 

Anyway, my best lineup for the World Cup (in batting order)

Guptill, McCullum, Ryder, Taylor, Styris, Franklin, Oram, N McCullum, Vettori, Mills, Bennett.  (12th man Southee)

Points of contention.

Styris/Franklin batting order:  Franklin has played well recently (ease of timing incredible), and NZ are keen to push him up the order, but Styris has the record and experience and this is the worlds biggest stage.  It just might ease the pressure of Franklin a bit and place expectation on Styris to deliver (which he has at previous world cups).

N McCullum inclusion:  Somewhat conditional on pitch, but his batting contributions alone have been enough to warrant inclusion.  His bowling has been mostly tidy and you get the feeling he knows he can hold his own in the international arena now.

Bennett over Southee:  Tough call, but here's my thinking.  He's just a bit quicker, stronger, possibly more demanding.  Not quite the control or technique that Southee has, but is confrontational in type and has collected wickets, which is what we need.  Also, most teams haven't come across Bennett yet so there's an element of the unknown in him, and he might sneak a few out by it.  We know Southee shoots by the dozen on good days in complimentary conditions, but the subcontinent might not be the place for it.  May come in for N McCullum if seam friendly.  

So there it is.  A lot will depend on the seniors... McCullum, Taylor, Styris, Oram, Vettori and Mills.  If they can lead they way, we've a chance.  Any contributions around them will be considered bonus, and if Bennett can steal by surprise, and Jesse can do like Inzy, there's a good chance some strong opposition could be toppled.