Wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham has confirmed that New Zealand’s XI will remain unchanged for Thursday’s World Cup match against Bangladesh at The Oval in London.

Batsman Henry Nicholls, seamer Tim Southee, leg-spinner Ish Sodhi and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell will remain sidelined, as the Black Caps keep the same team that beat Sri Lanka by 10 wickets earlier this month.

They will face staunch competition from Bangladesh, who outdid South Africa at the same venue last week.

‘We’re going in with the same side. I think the way we played in the last game bodes a lot of confidence for the group,’ said Latham.

‘I think the way the bowlers went about things, they challenged Sri Lanka pretty much from ball one, and I’m sure the same side are looking to repeat that.

‘It’s a long tournament, so it’s important to make sure the guys are 100% fully fit by the time they get back on the park. Hopefully, the guys that are out, there will be a chance for the next game.’

Latham and company practised on Tuesday against spinner Ajaz Patel, who is not part of the World Cup squad, but played five Tests and two T20Is for New Zealand last year. Patel’s presence is an attempt to replicate the threat posed by Bangladeshi spinner Shakib Al Hasan.

‘It’s always valuable when you have a like-for-like bowling to you in the nets. We know what sort of bowler Shakib is. He wasn’t in New Zealand in our last home summer series, so I think it’s important that we get used to a left-arm spinner,’ added Latham.

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