Cricket World Cup 2019: Black Caps seamer Tim Southee ruled out of World Cup opener

By Niall Anderson in Cardiff

The Black Caps will be without Tim Southee for their World Cup opener against Sri Lanka.

The experienced seamer missed the Black Caps' final training with a right calf injury, and will be unable to take the new ball in Cardiff tonight.

Southee had impressed against India in the Black Caps' first warm-up game, and bowled during their first training upon reaching Cardiff, but picked up a knock during that session and didn't bowl in the nets during their final hitout.

His misfortune is set to hand an opportunity to Matt Henry, who was initially tipped to be carrying the drinks after undergoing a tight battle with Southee this summer for the second opening bowling spot alongside Trent Boult.

Southee's experience – and Henry conceding 107 runs in nine overs to the West Indies in a warm-up in Bristol – had perhaps given Southee the inside running, but with not much to separate the pair, risking Southee at this stage of the tournament was not required.

Black Caps bowler Tim Southee is set to miss the World Cup opener. Photo / Getty

It is understood that Henry Nicholls will also be unable to take his place at the top of the order, with Colin Munro set to open.

Nicholls was expected to open the batting alongside Martin Guptill, but re-aggravated a left hamstring injury that had earlier sidelined him during the New Zealand XI series against Australia.

Nicholls had no noticeable strapping on his hamstring, but didn't bat during training, and has been inactive in warm-ups, while Munro has been receiving throwdowns and is set to join Guptill at the top of the order.

In more assuring news for the Black Caps, wicketkeeper Tom Latham was given a clean bill of health and is set to take his spot at number five in the batting order.

Provided he has no pre-match complications, captain Kane Williamson confirmed Latham was fit and available to play after recovering from his fractured finger.

"He's progressed nicely and will be available, which is great news. He's very much looking forward to that," said Williamson.