Grant Elliott's batting strength and experience in Australasian conditions were the deciding factors in his surprise selection for New Zealand's 15-strong Cricket World Cup squad.
Elliott, who hasn't played a one-day international in 14 months, was preferred to incumbent Jimmy Neesham in the biggest selection talking point of today's announcement at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Canterbury fast bowler Matt Henry was the other unlucky player, missing out on the final pace bowling spot, while fellow young quick Adam Milne and veteran Kyle Mills were both included.
Henry could be labelled the unluckiest cricketer in New Zealand after a storming start to his international career. He snared 19 wickets at 15 in his first six ODIs and played a key role in New Zealand's 3-2 series win in Pakistan, although in three domestic games on return he took 2-210 at an economy rate of 8.4.
Captain Brendon McCullum is likely to open the batting with Martin Guptill while Tom Latham will likely contest the No 5 spot with Elliott, and provide cover for the opener and wicketkeeping positions, with Luke Ronchi the specialist gloveman.
McCullum rated the squad strongly and said there was genuine depth in the 15.
"On paper, I think it's without doubt the strongest team I've certainly been involved with going into a World Cup. But World Cup's aren't won on paper."
At a glance, the full squad is
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| The Black Caps World Cup squad pose for a photo in Christchurch. (Pic source:stuff.co.nz) |
At a glance, the full squad is
| S.No | Player Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Brendon McCullum (captain) |
| 2 | Martin Guptill |
| 3 | Kane Williamson |
| 4 | Ross Taylor |
| 5 | Tom Latham |
| 6 | Corey Anderson |
| 7 | Grant Elliott |
| 8 | Luke Ronchi |
| 9 | Daniel Vettori |
| 10 | Nathan McCullum |
| 11 | Kyle Mills |
| 12 | Tim Southee |
| 13 | Trent Boult |
| 14 | Mitchell McClenaghan |
| 15 | Adam Milne |
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