All-time New Zealand World Cup XI

The World Cup has so often shown the best of New Zealand and this XI has tried to reflect that success over the years.

Mark Greatbatch was ahead of his time in 1992, thrust up to open and give it a whack when the first 15 overs was a new thing, so that earns him an opening spot alongside Brendon McCullum. It requires a touch of selectorial licence to put Martin Guptill at No. 3 (before you all shout, Kane Williamson's World Cup numbers aren't great: average 37.00).

Stephen Fleming, the only New Zealander with 1000 World Cup runs, and Martin Crowe (who else?) complete the top five. Then at No. 6, Scott Styris' formidable World Cup record (he averaged 53.47) wins the call before we get to the bowlers.

Richard Hadlee's economy of 2.88 earns a place even though it came in an era of slower scoring. He is complemented by stars of 1999 (Geoff Allott), 2003 (Shane Bond) and 2015 (Trent Boult) alongside the ever-reliable Daniel Vettori. McCullum would take the gloves and Crowe would captain.