Sport / Cricket World Cup 2015

Black Caps in World Cup groove

13:59 pm on 20 February 2015

The Black Caps are playing the same side which won their two opening Cricket World Cup matches, for Friday's match against England in Wellington.

After wins over Sri Lanka and Scotland the Black Caps will play their third game in the space of seven days but skipper Brendon McCullum says everyone in the squad was fit and available for selection.

Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum says his side's in a World Cup groove Photo: Photosport

McCullum says he's not worried about their busy schedule.

"We've been playing a lot of cricket recently so we're probably in a bit of a groove. Once this game finishes we've got a bit of break before our game against Australia and then another big break after that," he says.

"We knew the scheduling well before we came into it so we were able to factor that into our preparation as well, so we go into it with no excuses, we'll give ourselves a good chance and hopefully we can replicate the sort of form we've been playing with of late."

In keeping the same squad Nathan McCullum, Tom Latham, Kyle Mills, and Mitchell McClenaghan still haven't played a Cup match.

The Black Caps are enjoying the prospect of playing in front of a sold-out Wellington stadium.

The New Zealanders have won their first two matches, while England were beaten by Australia in their opening game.

Some 33,000 fans are expected at the match, which began at 2pm.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire have re-signed New Zealand international batsman Kane Williamson.

The 24-year-old will join up with the Headingley side for the final three matches of the 2015 season.

Williamson helped the county to their first County Championship title in 13 years last season, scoring 629 runs at an average of 57.18.

Kane Williamson is returning to Yorkshire Photo: RNZ

"I have enjoyed my time over the last couple of years and to be given the opportunity to return to the club is great," he told the club website.

"There is a brilliant culture at Yorkshire and it is a real privilege to be part of it.

"After speaking to the players, I know they are keen to get off to a positive start and really make a strong defence of the Championship."

Williamson, who has played 39 Tests for his country, scoring 3,034 runs at an average of 45.96.