ICC Cricket World Cup 2007

The New Zealand Cricket Team, popularly referred to as the Black Caps, is one of the best cricketing teams in the world today. One of the oldest cricket playing nations, New Zealand appeared in its first Test way back in 1930 against England in Christchurch, and won their first test in 1956 against West Indies at Eden Park, Auckland. New Zealand played its first One-day International against Pakistan on February 11, 1973 at Lancaster Park, Christchurch. The New Zealand Cricket Team has produced several legendary cricketers, including John R. Reid, Geoff Howarth, Ian Smith, Sir Richard Hadlee, Martin Crowe, Danny Morrison and Chris Cairns. Stephen Fleming, the current captain of the New Zealand cricket team, is the most succeesful cricket captain of New Zealand. John Bracewell is the coach of the New Zealand ICC World Cup 2007 squad. The New Zealand cricket team has taken part in all cricket World Cups since 1975. They reached up to semi-finals on four occasions in 1975, 1979, 1992 and 1999 cricket World Cups, but lost to opponents on all occasions. Today, New Zealand cricket team is rated as one of the strongest and most challenging teams in the world, and it has the potential to upset any team in the world. The current New Zealand cricket team has several outstanding cricketers, including the captain Stephen Fleming, and all-rounders Chris Harris, Nathan Astle, Scott Styris and Craig McMillan. Shane Bond is one of the fastest bowlers in the world today. New Zealand is placed in Group C in the ICC World Cup 2007 groupings, along with England, Kenya and Canada. The team will start its 2007 World Cup campaign against England on March 16, 2007 in Saint Lucia.

New Zealand
ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 Probables

Stephen Fleming (Captain)
Nathan Astle
Craig McMillan
Chris Harris
Brendon McCullum
Jacob Oram
HJH Marshall
Shane Bond
James Franklin
KD Mills
Scott Styris
Daryl Tuffey
Daniel Vettori
Lou Vincent
JS Patel
MJ Mason
JM How

Coach: John Bracewell
Support Staff: 5