New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum yesterday confirmed his side to face Afghanistan in Napier today, then endorsed the four not required as ready for the challenge if needed.
Seamers Kyle Mills and Mitchell McClenaghan, offspinning all-rounder Nathan McCullum and back-up batsman Tom Latham have been drinks carriers throughout the World Cup, no doubt clinging on in hope of a chance.
It looks unlikely they will get it. It would be a surprise if New Zealand veer from their chosen XI for the final game before the knockout stage begins, Friday's game against Bangladesh in Hamilton.
"I'm confident if injuries come about in these games to come we have the experience and personnel on the sideline who can step up and perform a role for us," McCullum said.
Excluding two practice games against Zimbabwe and South Africa before the tournament began, Nathan McCullum's last game was on February 3 against Pakistan. Mills and Latham last played on January 31 against Pakistan, and McClenaghan's last outing was on January 29 against Sri Lanka.
Mills has 170 ODIs behind him, Nathan McCullum 78, Latham "has a level had on his shoulders and won't be overawed in a tough situation" and McClenaghan, who has a terrific ODI record of 66 wickets in 34 ODIs, "has done well for us". All have qualities which will be helpful if required.
"They can be ready from a mental point of view," McCullum said. "We know what they're going to bring to the table and that's a big confidence booster for the group and a fillip for the selectors.
"It is tough on them. They desperately want to be involved but they're also strong people off the field. Everyone's got a smile on their face and have all said they'd rather be here with a bib on than sitting at home on the couch."
McCullum confirmed he had a few seconds of fear when struck on the left forearm by Mitchell Johnson in last weekend's transtasman thriller at Eden Park.
"It came through OK. Sometimes you take your eye off the ball and it shows you can quite easily get hurt," he said.
"Thankfully, I came through but, if the worst case [had happened], I still believe we've got the personnel that not much would have changed."
- David Leggat in Napier
