Black Caps coach Gary Stead says he's still not 100 per cent decided on the make up of his 15-man squad for this year's World Cup in England, following the 4-1 ODI series loss to India.
Going down by 35 runs in Wellington last night, the Black Caps were outplayed in nearly every department, with questions now looming over the all-rounder and opening batsmen roles heading into the World Cup.
In particular, emphasis is being placed on a partner for Martin Guptill at the top of the order, with Colin Munro and Henry Nicholls both used against India, while the likes of George Worker and Will Young have made strong cases on the domestic circuit.
Meanwhile, in the lower order, the likes of Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Doug Bracewell and Scott Kuggeleijn are all fighting for the two likely all-rounder roles.
Speaking to media last night, though, Stead said that there's still plenty of time for players to put their hands up and book their World Cup tickets.
"There's still a couple of months left before we name a World Cup squad," Stead began.
"A lot can happen in that time, whether it be form or injury as well.
"I think we're close to getting the 15 that we think is the right 15."
Stead continued to say that despite the 4-1 scoreline going against the Black Caps, he was pleased with what he saw across the completed series.
"I think the last couple of weeks against India has been [a] really good exercise for us.
"We've been placed under pressure, which is the first thing we wanted and knew would happen.
"We've found out about a good number of players - I think there's 16 that've played over that period of time - and it's been great to see them against a highly competitive Indian side."
The 2019 Cricket World Cup begins on May 30 in England.
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