New Zealand wicket-keeper Tom Latham could miss his side’s World Cup opener after fracturing his finger during a practice game against Australia in Brisbane.

The Black Caps take on Sri Lanka in their first game of the quadrennial tournament and it could open up an opportunity for rookie Tom Blundell, who will be the first Kiwi since 1987 to make his ODI debut in a World Cup.

Apart from Blundell, New Zealand also have Test wicket-keeper BJ Watling on stand-by, informed Chief Selector Gavin Larsen.

““Whether he [Latham] 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 [Stead] 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,” divulged Larsen.

Blundell is expected to start the two warm-up games against India and West Indies on May 25 and 28 respectively and could also open the batting if need be. 

  “It is pretty exciting but I’ve just got to wait and see. Hopefully for Tom it’s not too bad and he has a speedy recovery. If called upon I’ll be ready,” Blundell said.