Former New Zealand batter Grant Elliot believes several rookie bowlers, including pacer Henry Shipley, will need to put in big performances to make New Zealand's 15-man squad for the Men's One-Day International World Cup, which will be held in India in October-November.
Shipley took career-best figures of 5/6 in his first ODI at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday, as New Zealand bowled out Sri Lanka for 76 in 19.1 overs to win the series opener by a massive 198 runs.
"Henry Shipley will be one to keep an eye on. He had that experience in India, and it will be very interesting to see how he and Blair Tickner actually scrub up because that was a tough series, and those wickets were flat when I was there. So that was a tough start, and I think they'll enjoy bowling in New Zealand conditions a lot more; a little swing, and they'll be able to hit their spots.
Everyone has something to prove, it's a 15-man squad, and you want to be on that trip because if you get in the 15-man squad, one injury or blip somewhere, a run of form, and then suddenly you're in playing at a World Cup, it's a dream come true." Elliot was quoted as saying.
Despite the fact that New Zealand has more than six months to prepare for the ODI World Cup, Elliott believes spots in the top order are still available in the Kane Williamson-led side's upcoming fixtures.
Finn Allen scored 51 off 49 balls in the first ODI, while debutant all-rounder Rachin Ravindra also scored 49.
"I believe it is of the highest calibre. You're looking at the top order here, and I don't believe they've fully settled on players like Finn Allen "Elliott explained.
"That, I believe, is why Chad Bowes and Rachin Ravindra have been brought in. Remember, it's in India, so Rachin provides that left-arm orthodox, so I believe all eyes will be on them "He went on to say.