ICC World Cup 2019 | Tom Latham in doubt for New Zealand's World Cup opener against Sri Lanka

New Zealand are set to open their 2019 ICC ODI World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on June 1 as they enter the tournaments with a familiar ‘underdog’ title. However, the Kiwis will most likely have to make do without the services of first-choice wicket-keeper - Tom Latham - for the opening match at least.

Latham, who is the vice-captain of the New Zealand team, suffered a finger fracture during last week’s warm-up game against Australia while keeping wickets. Latham was forced to leave the field for medical attention.

However, recent reports in stuff.co.nz suggest that he is making fast progress and has been cleared to depart to England with the NZ squad on Sunday but still faces a race against time to be fit for the two warm-up games and their World Cup in Cardiff.

That being said, if Latham fails to recover on time, Tom Blundell will become the first New Zealander since 1987 to make his ODI debut at a World Cup. Blundell was picked as the second wicket-keeper ahead of Tim Seifert, who recovered from a finger injury himself.

"Whether he takes his place in those warm-up games we'll take a day-by-day approach on that, which will be down to the medical guys and Gary and support staff when they're over there. They're both ready; Tim has come off the back of his finger injury, that's OK, and BJ has been going well. We've got the different skill sets covered," New Zealand chief selector Gavin Larsen told Trackside Radio.