New Zealand have named a strong squad for the World Cup in the United Kingdom later this year.

The announcement of their 15 players has come two weeks before the deadline for the naming of squads.

Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell have been included. Blundell has gathered two Tests and three T20Is, but isn’t capped at ODI level.

‘As with any squad named for a major tournament, there’s had to be some tough calls, and there will be some disappointed players,’ said coach Gary Stead.

‘The key for us was finding the right balance for the squad and making sure we had our bases covered for what is going to be a very competitive World Cup. As a one-day unit we’ve been pretty consistent over the past few years and possess a very experienced group of core players, proven at the top level.

‘The World Cup is the pinnacle of cricket, and to be the first nation to name a squad for the tournament is really exciting.

‘We will have three training camps through April which will involve many players who are not in this squad, as it’s important they’re ready on standby should we lose anybody in the lead-up to or at the tournament.’

England and South Africa will open the World Cup at The Oval in London on 30 May.

Squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Tom Blundell, Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.